[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14704]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. MARK E. NEIHLS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2009

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a pioneer of 
private education who has provided 25 years of faithful service to the 
students, families and staff at Coventry Christian Schools in 
Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
  Mark E. Neihls started planning a preschool and registered Christian 
school in 1983, pouring amazing amounts of energy into fulfilling his 
vision of providing a world-class education to students in Montgomery, 
Chester and Berks Counties.
  Coventry Christian was incorporated in 1984 and opened with seven 
preschool students taught by two volunteer teachers. Thanks to Mr. 
Neihls' outstanding leadership as superintendent, the School has grown 
to more than 400 students in preschool through 12th grade and has more 
than 50 employees on two campuses.
  Mr. Neihls earned the respect of students, teachers and their 
families by refusing a paycheck for 19 years while, at the same time, 
often working six days a week and being available to students well 
beyond regular school hours
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring 
Mark E. Neihls for his 25 years of humble service as founder and 
superintendent of Coventry Christian Schools and recognizing his 
unwavering commitment to a high standard of educational excellence in a 
Christian setting.

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