Recognizing Mr. Larry Hallum

Floor Speech

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Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Larry Vernon Hallum, who passed away on April 22, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Bakersfield, California, Mr. Hallum was 1 of 5 children. He grew up in the Central Valley, and attended Arvin Union Elementary, Haven Drive Junior High School, and Arvin High School. Throughout his childhood, Mr. Hallum excelled in academics and sports, won the Henry Greve speech contest in junior high, and was Senior Class Vice President in high school.

After his high school graduation in 1961, he attended Bakersfield College for 2 years where he played tennis. Soon after, he was offered a full ride to Stanford University, which he turned down to pursue an education at the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Hallum graduated with his bachelor's degree in history and political science in 1966 and returned to Arvin High School as a teacher. Mr. Hallum volunteered for the draft in 1969, during the height of combat operations in the Vietnam War. He served in forward reconnaissance in the Quang Ngai Valley in South Vietnam.

Mr. Hallum achieved the rank of Sergeant E-5 and was awarded a Combat Infantryman's badge. He spent his life honoring the sacrifices of the soldiers who served alongside him. In October of 2022, Larry and his son, Ryan, visited the U.S. Capitol and the Vietnam Memorial Wall as part of the Central Valley Honor Flight. After his service, Mr. Hallum returned to Arvin High School, where he spent 40 years as a teacher. He was a vital part of the Arvin community, having taught thousands of students in the Central Valley across multiple generations of families. Mr. Hallum was devoted to his students, teaching world civilizations, geography, U.S. history, government, and economics.

Mr. Hallum led the school's Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, and in 1987, started the ``We the People'' Constitution Team, which was nationally ranked under his leadership. He also spent time supporting his students outside the classroom--coaching football, tennis, and baseball and supporting other students as he cheered from the sidelines. Mr. Hallum was honored as the first recipient of the Jim Burke Teacher of the Year Award, received the Arvin Chamber's Citizen of the Year Award, and was gifted the Key to the City of Arvin. After his retirement, he was selected as one of the 100 Outstanding Alumni from Bakersfield College, having been recognized for his commitment to the students at Arvin High School.

Mr. Hallum and his wife of 45 years, Brenda, have twin sons together, Drew Jonathan and Ryan Wesley. Mr. Hallum was their biggest fan throughout their childhood and supported them at their football games and marching band performances. His love of teaching influenced his sons to spend time as educators in their careers. In honor of Mr. Hallum, the Kern High School District has created the ``Spirit of Arvin High School'' Memorial Scholarship to support future college students in the district. His service to our country, commitment to his family, and dedication to the students of the Central Valley will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the incredible life of Mr. Larry Vernon Hallum.

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