IN CELEBRATION OF MRS. GRACE HATCHER ADKINS' 90TH BIRTHDAY
April 1, 2020
Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my
sincerest congratulations and birthday wishes to Mrs. Grace Hatcher
Adkins. She will celebrate her 90th birthday on Friday, May 18, 2018 at
Westwood Schools Auditorium at 225 Fuller Street in Camilla, Georgia.
sincerest congratulations and birthday wishes to Mrs. Grace Hatcher
Adkins. She will celebrate her 90th birthday on Friday, May 18, 2018 at
Westwood Schools Auditorium at 225 Fuller Street in Camilla, Georgia.
Mrs. Adkins was born in 1928 to Mr. Clifford Edward Hatcher and Mrs.
Agnes Faircloth Hatcher. The Newton, Georgia native began teaching in
1946 at the age of 18, and used the valuable lessons instilled in her
by her family to guide her students.
Agnes Faircloth Hatcher. The Newton, Georgia native began teaching in
1946 at the age of 18, and used the valuable lessons instilled in her
by her family to guide her students.
Mrs. Adkins' life's work always centered on young people and helping
them reach their full potential. She truly understood that ``Education
is the passport to the future; it belongs to those who prepare for it
today.'' Throughout her remarkable 58 year career, she made it her
mission to help every child be successful. She devoted countless time
and energy into helping and supporting her students, especially those
with learning disabilities. In 1980, she created one of the first
Learning Labs in the State of Georgia at Westwood Schools in Camilla.
The impact of the Learning Lab was so profound that educators from
across the nation inquired about her techniques, which she acknowledged
were fueled by her immense love for teaching and her desire to reach
every student. Westwood Schools ultimately named the Learning Lab in
her honor.
them reach their full potential. She truly understood that ``Education
is the passport to the future; it belongs to those who prepare for it
today.'' Throughout her remarkable 58 year career, she made it her
mission to help every child be successful. She devoted countless time
and energy into helping and supporting her students, especially those
with learning disabilities. In 1980, she created one of the first
Learning Labs in the State of Georgia at Westwood Schools in Camilla.
The impact of the Learning Lab was so profound that educators from
across the nation inquired about her techniques, which she acknowledged
were fueled by her immense love for teaching and her desire to reach
every student. Westwood Schools ultimately named the Learning Lab in
her honor.
The poet Maya Angelou once said that, ``I've learned that you
shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need
to be able to throw something back.'' Grace Hatcher-Adkins threw a
prodigious amount of care and attention back to the students that she
loved so dearly. She inspired several of her students to become
lawyers, doctors, educators, professionals, business owners, and
leaders in their own communities. Her optimistic attitude, powerful
presence, and personal interest and care for each child, no matter the
learning level, made all of her students feel valued and respected.
shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need
to be able to throw something back.'' Grace Hatcher-Adkins threw a
prodigious amount of care and attention back to the students that she
loved so dearly. She inspired several of her students to become
lawyers, doctors, educators, professionals, business owners, and
leaders in their own communities. Her optimistic attitude, powerful
presence, and personal interest and care for each child, no matter the
learning level, made all of her students feel valued and respected.
Mrs. Adkins has accomplished much in her life, but none of it would
haye been possible without her unwavering faith in the Lord, the love
and support of her late husband, Bill, the family she cherishes so
dearly, and the encouragement from all of those who have positively
impacted her life over the years.
haye been possible without her unwavering faith in the Lord, the love
and support of her late husband, Bill, the family she cherishes so
dearly, and the encouragement from all of those who have positively
impacted her life over the years.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me,
along with the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in paying
tribute to one of Southwest Georgia's finest educators, Mrs. Grace
Hatcher Adkins, as she and her family prepare to celebrate her 90th
birthday.
along with the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in paying
tribute to one of Southwest Georgia's finest educators, Mrs. Grace
Hatcher Adkins, as she and her family prepare to celebrate her 90th
birthday.