[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E955]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE CAREER OF STEVE BAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM BANKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 2024

  Mr. BANKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Steve 
Baker, longtime principal of Bluffton High School (BHS), who is 
retiring at the end of the school year.
  Steve Baker has dedicated over 25 years as the head of BHS, having 
served the Bluffton-Harrison Metropolitan School District in some 
capacity for a remarkable 40 years. Shortly after college, he began his 
career in Bluffton as a high school math teacher and coach. After 11 
years, he transitioned to become the assistant principal at the middle 
school before returning to the high school as its principal--a role he 
has meritoriously held ever since.
  Under Mr. Baker's leadership, Bluffton High School has achieved 
notable success. The school earned Four Star School standing by the 
Indiana Department of Education five times and was recognized as an 
``A'' school 14 of the last 15 years.
  Beyond his direct responsibilities at BHS, Principal Baker has been a 
continuous advocate for the students of Bluffton. He contributed to 
numerous Indiana Department of Education committees, has advised state 
and federal legislators, and served on the Governor's Indiana 
Educational Roundtable and the Indiana Association of School 
Principals.
  Additionally, Mr. Baker was named the quarterly Principal Advocate 
Champion in 2018 and Indiana State Principal of the Year in 2012 and is 
known throughout northeast Indiana as a trusted and supremely qualified 
voice on education.
  Alongside this long list of accolades and achievements, Principal 
Baker's students, staff, and fellow principals will remember his 
mentorship, warmth, and unwavering dedication to his school. He leaves 
a tremendous legacy and big shoes to fill at Bluffton High School.
  It is an honor to present this official congressional document as a 
token of appreciation for his exceptional service to our community. I 
wish Principal Baker the best as he heads into retirement with his wife 
and family.

                          ____________________