[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 95 (Friday, June 8, 2018)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E815-E816] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN RECOGNITION OF PAT MONTGOMERY FOR HER IMPACT ON MICHIGAN'S EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE ______ HON. DEBBIE DINGELL of michigan in the house of representatives Friday, June 8, 2018 Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pat Montgomery for years of devoted and distinguished leadership as she is recognized by ATHENA International. Her service to her students has given them the confidence to go out into the community and make a difference. ATHENA International was founded in 1982 by Lansing businesswoman Martha Mertz to honor the contributions of those who help woman to succeed. Ms. Mertz has long held the belief that it takes a village to help women in our communities thrive and has seen her small nonprofit grow exponentially over the years. Today, ATHENA International is a global organization that mentors and trains women in more than 500 cities and 8 countries around the world. The ATHENA Leaders of Huron Valley help develop and support women through various programming initiatives including entrepreneurial classes and one-on-one mentoring. The great work of Michigan's female leaders is honored at the ATHENA Awards each year. This year's winners include Pat Montgomery, an educator who sees endless potential in each one of her students. Inspired to promote education in an unstructured setting, in 1967, Ms. Montgomery founded Clonlara School in Ann Arbor in an effort to further her vision of a school that allowed students the freedom to explore their interests in an intellectually stimulating learning environment. Initially consisting of only 8 students, Clonlara's education offerings have grown and expanded over the decades, and the school today runs a homeschooling program that serves students through international offices in Europe and Central America, as well as with online offerings. Ms. Montgomery was the driving force behind the conception and development of Clonlara, serving as a teacher, executive director and in other roles and has been fundamental to the school's longevity. Her efforts have created a lasting impact on the Michigan educational community and have bettered countless lives. [[Page E816]] Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pat Montgomery for her years of service. She has set a high bar for educators in Michigan and across the country. ____________________