Tribute to Mrs. Evelyn Alethia Bonaparte Haynes

TRIBUTE TO MRS. EVELYN ALETHIA BONAPARTE HAYNES -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 19, 2004)

SPEECH OF HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN
OF SOUTH CAROLINA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2004

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Evelyn Alethia Bonaparte Haynes, a native South Carolinian whose dedication to the education of all children-regardless of economic background or racial identity-shines as an example to all who love children. On June 23, 2004, would have celebrated her 91st birthday, and in commemorating her legacy, I believe it is important to highlight a few of the contributions that she made.

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Mrs. Haynes attended Wallingford and Buist Elementary Schools and Charleston's Avery Institute. She later graduated from South Carolina State College-now South Carolina State University-where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. In 1958, she received a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education, Supervision, and Administration from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York.

Mrs. Haynes made significant contributions to the education of children through her dedicated service in a number of positions. She began her teaching career in Beaufort, South Carolina. In 1936, she was employed by the Charleston County Department of Education, now the Charleston County School District. She served as teacher and principal at Miley Hill Elementary School in Ravenel, South Carolina for 14 years. In 1964, she was appointed the Jeanes Supervisor for the Charleston County Department of Education where she served until 1967. It was during these years that I met and for three years worked in consultation with her. After desegregation of the public schools in 1967, she was the first African-American appointed to an administrative position in the Charleston County public school system. She became Assistant Personnel Director for the Charleston County Public School District and remained in that position until her retirement in 1974.

Retirement, however, did not quell her passion for service. In 1974, Mrs. Haynes was elected to the City of Charleston's Constituent School District #20 Board of Trustees and served in that position until 1978. She advocated for high academic standards, high-quality learning materials, smaller classes, competitive salaries, trained administrators, and parental involvement.

Mrs. Haynes received numerous awards, citations, and honors for her active membership in her church, her public service contributions, and her distinguished career in education. She has been recognized by the Charleston Branch of the National Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), by Shaw University, and by Miley Hill Elementary School for her achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life and legacy of this venerable woman on what would have been her 91st birthday. She blazed a trail in her community through education and service that continues to influence future generations. This committed teacher from South Carolina has demonstrated with great fervor, her commitment to excellence and to the highest of standards for the educational well-being of the children of South Carolina.

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