[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 213 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1352-E1353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING GREENVILLE COUNTY SCHOOLS 2021 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE, MR. 
                               BILL EVANS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DUNCAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 9, 2021

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mr. Bill Evans 
in being named a Greenville County Schools 2021 Hall of Fame Inductee.
  Born and raised in Washington, Georgia, Mr. Evans was inspired by his 
own high school teachers. He attended Berry College in Rome, Georgia, 
and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a 
minor in English. Upon graduation, Mr. Evans began his teaching career 
in 1989.
  Evans taught English at Hillcrest High School in Greenville, South 
Carolina for 28 years. He is responsible for developing the school's 
Speech and Debate Program, which has won numerous tournaments and 
competitions. Altogether, his work in the education field promoted 
excellence for South Carolina students in the subjects of English, 
Speech, and Debate for nearly three decades.
  During his career, Mr. Evans was twice named Teacher of the Year. In 
2012, he earned the National Speech and Debate Teacher of the Year 
award and was inducted into the Mississippi Speech and Debate Hall of 
Fame. Additional accolades for Mr. Evans include the National Speech 
and Debate Four Diamond Coach Award and a two-time presidency of the 
South Carolina Speech Teachers Association.
  In 2017, Mr. Evans retired from Hillcrest High School. That year's 
edition of the school yearbook was dedicated to him. The following 
year, the annual Hillcrest Speech and Debate Tournament was named in 
his honor.
  Fellow teachers remember Mr. Evans as someone who takes new teachers 
under his wing and shows them how to make the classroom a positive and 
fun environment. They recall his love of Shakespeare and how his 
interactive lessons allowed students to engage and enjoy Shakespeare 
just as much. Mr. Evans describes himself as someone who was ``destined 
to be an educator.'' Among his many distinguished students are an 
award-winning poet, an award-winning screenplay writer, numerous state 
and national Speech and Debate champions, and several current and 
former members of my congressional staff.
  In late November, at the Greenville Convention Center, Greenville 
County Schools honored Evans at its annual Hall of Fame ceremony. 
Today, Mr. Evans and his wife, Maria, reside in Simpsonville, SC. They 
have three children.
  Reflecting on the accomplishments of Mr. Evans and his students, I am 
reminded of the impact Mr. Evans continues to make on young adults who 
completed their high school education at Hillcrest High School. His 
students, fellow teachers, and surrounding community members in the 
state of South Carolina are inspired by him. I am proud to represent 
and serve constituents as impactful as those like Mr. Evans.
  Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to serve the Third 
District of South Carolina and to celebrate those who make a difference 
through education.

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