[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17157]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING STATE REPRESENTATIVE PHYLLIS POND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2013

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my 
friend and colleague Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, to pay tribute to 
State Representative Phyllis Pond of New Haven, Indiana. Rep. Pond was 
an outstanding Hoosier who represented both her district and Indiana 
with integrity, and sadly passed away on September 22, 2013 at the age 
of 82.
  Rep. Pond began her service to our great state in 1978 when she was 
first elected to the Indiana General Assembly. A lifelong Hoosier who 
grew up on a farm and graduated from Warren High School, Ball State 
University, and Indiana State University, Rep. Pond was the longest-
serving female state representative in the history of Indiana. She was 
also the first woman to earn her seat in the prestigious front row of 
the Statehouse Chamber. We, the female Members of the Indiana 
Congressional delegation, are especially grateful for her leadership 
and guidance that has helped shape our own careers in public service.
  As members of the House Education and the Workforce and Armed 
Services Committees, we honor Rep. Pond for her outstanding work for 
both Hoosier students and servicemembers. As a former kindergarten 
teacher who taught students for 37 years, Rep. Pond worked tirelessly 
to ensure that our state's students received the best education and had 
access to exceptional opportunities.
  Thanks to Rep. Pond, Hoosier K-3 classrooms have no more than 
eighteen students, creating a healthy learning environment where 
students receive the attention they need to excel in school. Rep. Pond 
strongly believed in recognizing our servicemembers and their families. 
During the holiday season, she was well known for sending cards and 
words of encouragement to Indiana's finest. Rep. Pond also sponsored 
legislation to give soldiers on active duty more time with their 
children.
  We are proud that such an exceptional public servant, teacher, and 
stateswoman called the Hoosier State home, and we are honored to 
recognize her life's work today. Our deepest condolences and well 
wishes go out to George Pond, her husband of 62 years; her children, 
Douglas Pond of Indianapolis, Dr. William Pond of Fort Wayne, and Jean 
Grasmick of Zionsville; grandchildren, Greg and Scott Pond, Joel Aiken, 
and Jennifer Knepp; and great grandchildren, Beatrice, Walker, and 
Eleanore. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult 
time.

                          ____________________