[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 81 (Thursday, May 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E495-E496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DR. ERIC WITHERSPOON

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2022

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. Eric 
Witherspoon, who is retiring after 16 years of extraordinary leadership 
as Superintendent of Evanston Township High School (ETHS) District 202.
  Dr. Witherspoon has been superintendent of ETHS District 202 since 
July 2006. Previously he served as Superintendent in Des Moines, Iowa; 
Indianapolis, Indiana and Hobart, Indiana. He began his career as a 
high-school English teacher and director of the high school gifted 
education program at Crown Point High School in Indiana.
  At ETHS, Dr. Witherspoon focused on equity and having high 
expectations for all students. He enabled students to have 
opportunities to take more honors and advanced-placement classes during 
their four years of high school. Dr. Witherspoon also focused on the 
importance of reading as a pathway to education by bolstering student 
resources.
  Dr. Witherspoon implemented a comprehensive system of academic and 
social/emotional supports to help students to succeed in school. And he 
has renewed the focus on professional development for staff. He also 
created programs and partnerships with Northwestern University and 
Oakton Community College and expanded career and technical education 
opportunities for ETHS students.
  ETHS launched a long-term strategic initiative to upgrade the entire 
campus under Dr. Witherspoon's leadership. Many of the school's 
athletic facilities have been enhanced, and facility upgrades include 
the planetarium, Geometry in Construction house-building site, science 
labs, a research and theory center, auto technology, advanced 
manufacturing, Project Lead the Way Engineering, and the culinary, 
ceramics and pottery programs.
  Under Dr. Witherspoon's leadership, academic achievement and the 
graduation rate at ETHS have increased. ACT results reached the highest 
in the history of ETHS for nine consecutive years, and ETHS is now 
recognized by U.S. News and World Reports as well as the Washington 
Post as ranking in the top 2-3 percent of all high schools in the 
nation. Dr. Witherspoon also helped to build the ETHS Educational 
Foundation, an organization focused on raising funds to further enhance 
ETHS for all students, teachers and staff.

[[Page E496]]

  Dr. Witherspoon has been a remarkable Superintendent for 16 years and 
has been honored throughout his career for his educational leadership. 
I have appreciated our many collaborations and close working 
relationship. He will leave behind a legacy of success and achievement 
and will be missed.

                          ____________________