Congressional Record, Extensions of Remarks, June 7, 2022: Page E582
Summary
Page E582 of the Congressional Record Extensions of Remarks for June 7, 2022, in interleaved columns. Remarks ask colleagues to recognize Head Start and its staff for their contributions over the past 57 years, praise a nonprofit working to bring humanities programming to all Minnesotans, and honor a retired San Luis Obispo community member who serves in the NAACP. Another tribute notes that Dr. Jones became Superintendent of the Bibb County School District on April 6, 2015 and has received several awards for educational leadership, and a further remark recognizes Sigrid for environmental and climate change advocacy on the Central Coast.
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“Congressional Record, Extensions of Remarks, June 7, 2022: Page E582.”
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E582 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 7, 2022
Post retirement, Barbara remains committed the communities it serves, and that the com- non-profit working with individuals, organiza-
to providing support and care to those who munities have an investment in its success. tions and communities to bring humanities
need it most and gives her time and energy to The early education services and essential programming to all Minnesotans, and is rooted
a range of organizations nurturing a healthy, support offered by Head Start provides chil- in the belief that the humanities have the
welcoming community. She is a member of dren the tools they need for future success. I power to connect, bridge differences, interpret
the San Luis Obispo NAACP, for which she ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the complexities of the world and positively
has served as secretary, and is also a mem- Head Start and its staff for their invaluable shape our future.
ber of the SLO County Diversity Coalition. contributions over the past 57 years to build-
Founded by the National Endowment for the
Barbara served as a Long-Term Care Om- ing opportunities so that every child can thrive.
Humanities in 1971, MHC was one of the very
budsman in San Luis Obispo County for eight f first humanities councils in the nation. In their
years, assisting residents of long-term care fa-
first few decades they focused on a range of
cilities and their families to resolve problems RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF
education initiatives that explored Minnesota’s
related to the health, safety, welfare, and FRANK SMITH
people and their history, and used televised or
rights of those in Long Term Care facilities.
in-person programs to enhance the way that
She is now the chair of the San Luis Obispo HON. ADRIAN SMITH
County Behavioral Health Board that evalu- educators taught about these subjects in their
ates the community’s behavioral health needs, OF NEBRASKA classrooms. As MHC continued to grow they
services, and facilities and advises the Board IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES expanded by creating traveling exhibits and
of Supervisors and the Behavioral Health Ad- public events, bringing in international speak-
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 ers and publishing books. Their burgeoning
ministrator.
As a volunteer, Barbara serves organiza- Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I programming in the 1990s eventually led to
tions that encourage growth and opportunity. rise today to celebrate and honor the service the opening of their full-service event center in
For the San Luis Obispo Community Founda- of a great Nebraskan, Mr. Frank Smith who the former wing of Gillette Children’s Hospital
tion, she reviews scholarship applications and recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Mr. in Saint Paul in 1996. This center on the east
even created an endowment in the name of Smith (no relation) was recently recognized by side of Saint Paul is still the home of the Min-
her brother, John Renner, supporting students the Gage County Board of Supervisors for his nesota Humanities Center today, and houses
who identify at LGBTQ+. Barbara is also a service to Nebraskans and our country. I am a full-service meeting and event center, 15 ad-
member of the Central Coast Circle of Friend- honored to have the opportunity to join my fel- ministrative offices and 15 overnight guest
ship Bridge which provides microfinance, edu- low Nebraskans in thanking Mr. Smith for his rooms.
cation, and health services to build opportuni- service.
As MHC moved into the 21st century, their
ties. In alignment with United Nations Millen- On May 5th, he turned 100. A member of
programming continued to expand and shift to
nium Development goals, the Central Coast the Greatest Generation, he was born in
serve the needs of Minnesotans. They began
Circle empowers Guatemalan women to build Omaha and raised in Beatrice. He studied ag-
to focus on providing culturally responsive and
a better future. Lastly, Barbara is an avid riculture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln,
linguistically relevant literacy initiatives in
reader and South County book club member, and he enlisted in the Army on June 10, 1942.
White and Green Hmong, Somali, Dakota and
who volunteers with the Arroyo Grande Li- He served during World War II and was
Ojibwe, and they broadened partnerships with
brary, organizing donated books for the annual awarded the World War II campaign medal
school districts while engaging new audiences
book sale. with three Bronze Stars and the Good Con-
in a deeper understanding of history, culture
I am honored to recognize Barbara, one of duct medal. He was honorably discharged as
and identity. One example of this program-
our community’s ‘‘quiet heroes,’’ for her com- a corporal. Corporal Frank Smith, USA, Re-
tired, enlisted because he loves our great ming is a documentary they co-produced with
mitment to improving the lives of so many. I Twin Cities Public Television called ‘‘Iron
ask all Members to join me today in honoring country, and his volunteerism has continued in
the years following his military service. Range: Minnesota Building America’’ that
an exceptional woman of California’s 24th highlights the history and future of the Iron
Congressional District, Barbara Levenson, for Upon returning from tours in Africa and Italy
Range in northern Minnesota and won an
her incredible service to her community. with a heavy weapons company, he went on
Emmy Award for Best Cultural Documentary in
to work in farming, then as a prison chaplain.
f When asked about his patriotic dedication, he
2009. Another example of their important work
said, ‘‘My government’s important to me, al- is their Veteran’s Voices program which began
CELEBRATING THE 57TH in 2013 and honors Minnesota Veterans by
ANNIVERSARY OF HEAD START though it’s not always so good as it should be,
but it’s mine.’’ celebrating their written and spoken stories
about their experiences serving their country.
At 100 years old, he continues to volunteer
HON. JERRY McNERNEY with Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging, deliv- Grant-making is also central to the work of
OF CALIFORNIA MHC. For 50 years they have worked hard to
ering meals to fellow senior citizens every day.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES To put it simply, his life story is extraordinary. champion the work of individuals, nonprofits,
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 It would be easy for someone who has done schools and other collectives across Min-
and given as much as Frank to sit back and nesota through their own competitive grants
Mr. MCNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I ask my relax, but he continues serving others. and by administering grant funds appropriated
colleagues to join me in recognizing Head
I thank Mr. Smith for all his service and sac- by the Minnesota Legislature. In the last year,
Start, a crucial program that celebrated its
rifice. MHC distributed over $4.7 million through 180
57th anniversary this year.
f grants across Minnesota, and through the
Since 1965, Head Start has promoted CARES Act were awarded an additional
school readiness for children in economically CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVER- $538,500 to support COVID–19 relief efforts. I
disadvantaged families by offering educational, SARY OF THE MINNESOTA HU- was proud to vote in favor of those funds, and
nutritional, health, and social services. Head MANITIES CENTER I continue to support funding for the National
Start has served more than 39 million children
Endowment for the Humanities through my
and their families in urban and rural areas in
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM role as Vice-Chair of the Interior-Environment
all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto
Appropriations Subcommittee.
Rico and the U.S. territories, including Amer- OF MINNESOTA
ican Indian, Alaska Native, migrant and sea- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Led today by CEO Kevin Lindsey, MHC
sonal communities. continues to be a beacon for learning and
Head Start works with and for the commu- Tuesday, June 7, 2022 positive change in Minnesota, seeking to fulfill
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with REMARKS
nities they serve to improve the lives of chil- Ms. MCCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise their vision of a just society that is connected,
dren from birth. Growing from an eight-week today in recognition of the Minnesota Human- curious, and compassionate as they look to
demonstration project, Head Start now in- ities Center as they celebrate their 50th anni- their next 50 years of service to the commu-
cludes full-day and year-round services, which versary of ‘‘sparking change’’ in our commu- nity. Madam Speaker, please join me in recog-
more than one million children and their fami- nities using the power of the humanities to ex- nizing the Minnesota Humanities Center and
lies benefit from each year. A key tenet of the plore, interpret, and engage. The Minnesota their excellent humanities programming as
program is that it be culturally responsive to Humanities Center (MHC) is a collaborative they celebrate their 50th anniversary.
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June 7, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E583
TRIBUTE TO SIGRID WRIGHT— honoring an exceptional woman of California’s Macon, Georgia, and worked tirelessly with
CALIFORNIA’S 24TH CONGRES- 24th Congressional District, Sigrid Wright, for teachers, administrators, and other support
SIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR her incredible service to her community. staff to transform the students of Bibb County
f into scholars, leaders, and good citizens.
HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL HONORING MATALIE MILES
While leading the Bibb County School District,
OF CALIFORNIA Dr. Jones has worked to enhance literacy and
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES classroom learning through the development
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
HON. RICK W. ALLEN of a District Literacy Plan, which led to student
OF GEORGIA growth on the Georgia Milestones Assess-
Mr. CARBAJAL. Madam Speaker, each IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ments. He led two voter-approved Education
year, through the Women of the Year Award, Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax
my office extends special recognition to Tuesday, June 7, 2022
(ESPLOST) campaigns, which funded the
women on the Central Coast who have made Mr. ALLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to opening of six new school buildings and
a difference in our community. I would like to congratulate my constituent, Matalie Miles, countless school renovation projects. His com-
recognize one outstanding Women of the Year upon her acceptance to the United States Mili- mitment to equity motivated him to secure
Award recipient, Sigrid Wright of Santa Bar- tary Academy at West Point. major technology improvements assuring that
bara, California. As a future cadet, she will be joining the every child has equal access to high-quality
A longtime resident of Santa Barbara, Sigrid ranks of the world’s most fearsome fighting technology resources. During his tenure as
Wright has been a leader in environmental force—the United States Army—guided by Superintendent, the Bibb County School Dis-
non-profits and climate change advocacy on duty, honor, and country. trict has made great gains in improving its
the Central Coast for more than 25 years. The service and sacrifice of America’s mili- graduation rate from 58.9 percent in 2014 to
With the many daunting challenges of the tary personnel have safeguarded our Nation 80.67 percent in 2021.
growing climate crisis, her leadership has since its inception, defending our way of life Under his exceptional leadership, the Dis-
guided the community in facing those chal- from Lexington to Normandy. trict has received Georgia’s College Board
lenges. And throughout our history, American sol- Linking Award for having more than 80 per-
Sigrid was named as CEO/executive direc- diers have demonstrated tremendous courage cent of juniors and seniors utilizing Khan
tor of the Community Environmental Council and strength, beating back tyranny to the ends Academy for SAT preparation (2017); the Dig-
(CEC) in 2015, becoming the first woman to of the earth. ital School District Survey Award for Large
lead the 45-year-old non-profit. Driven by the I was glad to sponsor Matalie’s nomination Student Population Districts category, and
environmental destruction seen along Santa and I am confident that her talents will distin- along with its Board of Education has been
Barbara’s coastline due to the 1969 oil spill, guish her among her peers both during her named both a Distinguished and Exemplary
Sigrid has championed CEC’s mission to time at West Point and thereafter. Board by the Georgia School Boards Associa-
move the Santa Barbara region away from de- I congratulate Matalie, and know that she tion (2018). Bibb County was featured in The
pendence on fossil fuels in one generation— will make this Nation proud. District Management Journal, in an article ti-
Fossil Free by ’33. As CEO, Sigrid has spear- f tled ‘‘Raising Achievement and Addressing
headed CEC’s climate goals by educating and Equity at Bibb County Schools’’ and as a case
activating the Santa Barbara community IN RECOGNITION OF DR. CURTIS L.
study with K–12 Insight for its work in improv-
around sustainable practices, advocating for JONES, JR.
ing stakeholder communications through its
environmentally sound policies and laws, and use of the Let’s Talk! platform. In addition to
building partnerships with other organizations HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. these achievements, seven schools have
to open new pathways for sustainable trans- OF GEORGIA achieved Leader in Me Lighthouse School sta-
portation, energy, and food systems. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tus (2022), and the District has achieved ac-
In her longstanding commitment to resolving creditation from AdvancED, (now Cognia), with
the climate crisis, Sigrid co-founded the Cen- Tuesday, June 7, 2022
two schools—Skyview and Carter Elementary
tral Coast Climate Justice Network as well as Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I Schools, being recognized as National Ele-
the Central Coast Climate Collaborative, de- rise today to honor, commend, and extend my mentary and Secondary Education Act Title I
voted to advancing social, economic, and en- congratulations to a gifted educator, dedicated Schools of Distinction.
vironmental justice. Sigrid’s efforts to effect community leader, and great team builder, Dr. Dr. Jones’ leadership has made a tremen-
real change in climate advocacy have already Curtis L. Jones, Jr. Dr. Jones retired from his dous impact on the many educators and ad-
been recognized by her community. In 2020, role as Superintendent of the Bibb County, ministrators in the District, as numerous lead-
California Assemblymember Monique Limón Georgia School District, and a retirement cele- ers and staff members have been recognized
named CEC Non-Profit of the Year. Commu- bration was held on Friday, May 27, 2022, at at the state and national levels, and have
nity initiatives sparked by Sigrid and CEC The Macon Coliseum located at 200 Coliseum been invited to serve as leading panelists and
have included Santa Barbara’s first ever wind Drive in Macon, Georgia. make presentations on how Bibb has dem-
farm which is expected to power 53,000 family Born to the union of Reverend Curtis L. onstrated success.
homes with clean, sustainable electricity. Jones and Mrs. Roberta Prescott Jones, Dr. Winston Churchill once said: ‘‘You make
Where Sigrid sees a need, she takes action Jones earned his bachelor’s degree at the your living by what you get, you make your life
to fill it. She strategizes and addresses each United States Military Academy at West Point by what you give.’’ Dr. Curtis L. Jones, Jr. has
of the root causes of climate change in her and went on to complete a distinguished mili- given so much to the Bibb County School Dis-
role as leader of CEC. Her influence over tary career in the U.S. Army, retiring as a trict, its educators, its administrators, and most
Santa Barbara’s local food justice movement Lieutenant Colonel. He earned a Master of importantly, its students. He has cast a wide
has led to produce and prepared food being Business Administration from Albany State net in his service as an educator, and Bibb
redirected to impoverished peoples and fami- University in Albany, Georgia, an Education County, our state, and our nation are better
lies in need rather than end up at a landfill. Specialist Degree from Lincoln Memorial Uni- because of his work.
Sigrid’s quest to reduce consumption and versity, and a doctorate in Educational Leader- In addition to his work for the Bibb County
waste has helped expand the Rethink the ship from Nova Southeastern University. School District, Dr. Jones is engaged in nu-
Drink program, providing access to thousands For nearly two decades, Dr. Jones has been merous professional and community organiza-
of hydration stations across Santa Barbara an effective and trusted leader in multiple tions including the Rotary Club of Macon and
County and environmental education for par- roles in public education administration in the the Kiwanis Club of Macon. He serves on sev-
ticipating schools. She gives so much of her state of Georgia. He established an impres- eral community boards including those for the
time, energy, and resources to serve our com- sive career beginning as a JROTC instructor Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with REMARKS
munity. She is a worthy candidate for this with the Griffin-Spalding County School Sys- the United Way of Central Georgia. He is a
honor and a role model for community leaders tem in Griffin, Georgia, moving to the positions past governing board member for The School
of all kinds. of High School Principal, Assistant Super- Superintendents Association (AASA) and past
I am honored to recognize Sigrid for her intendent, and thereafter, Superintendent of president of the Georgia School Superintend-
continued commitment to environmental and Schools. ents Association (GSSA).
climate change advocacy on the Central On April 6, 2015, he became Super- For his work in educational leadership and
Coast. I ask all Members to join me today in intendent of the Bibb County School District in administration, Dr. Jones has received several
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