[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 145 (Friday, September 9, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF DR. ROBERT EICHORN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2022

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the work of Dr. 
Robert Eichorn who is retiring after two decades of work as an 
educator. While a Prince William County Principal, Dr. Eichorn's 
dedicated service has led Independence Nontraditional School to be 
named the first ever model school by the National Alternative Education 
Association. His work to meet the needs of an often underserved 
community has made education and achievement more accessible to 
Virginia's youth.
  Dr. Eichorn has pushed to reimagine education for students, 
instructors, and the broader Prince William community. He is a fierce 
advocate for the socioeconomically disadvantaged children of Virginia 
and has implemented a learner-centric curriculum to meet the needs of 
the individual. Dr. Eichorn has been an advocate and practitioner for 
over thirty years, and his efforts have been crucial in the fight for 
educational equity.
  For years, Dr. Eichorn has served as the principal at Independence 
Nontraditional School, which serves students from kindergarten through 
12th grade. The school provides a full curriculum, including music, 
foreign language, Advanced Placement, and engineering courses. The 
school also offers internships within their career and technical 
education trades programs. The primary focus at Independence is to meet 
the individual needs of every student with tailored instruction. For 
those who may need a little extra assistance or a second chance, 
Independence Nontraditional School offers the resources that 
disadvantaged young people need to achieve their fullest potential.
  Dr. Eichorn has been the recipient of multiple awards for his 
tireless efforts. He was named Prince William County Schools' 2017-18 
Principal of the Year. In 2020, the National Association of Secondary 
School Principals named him a Digital Principal of the Year for his 
leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic. He shepherded navigated his 
school as they implemented new technologies to expand access to 
students and to maintain a semblance of normalcy throughout 
unprecedented hardship.
  As the first model school highlighted by the National Alternative 
Education Association, Independence has illuminated the successes made 
possible when our educators strive to develop integrity, ingenuity, and 
intellect in every student. With the right resources, we must hope to 
recruit more educators who exemplify the dedication and talent that Dr. 
Eichorn has demonstrated.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. 
Robert Eichorn for his unwavering dedication to the young people of 
Prince William County. He has made every effort to ensure that all 
children have access to the resources they need for a rich and 
promising education. His students and colleagues alike have expressed 
their sincere appreciation for his tremendous service. Dr. Eichorn has 
truly lived up to the Prince William County Public Schools motto, 
``Providing a World-Class Education.'' I wish him the best in his 
retirement and thank him for the service he provided our community.

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