[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 77 (Thursday, May 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E949-E950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATIONS TO TEACHER MARTHA ``MARTIE'' SEMMER

                                 ______


                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 30, 1996

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Martie Semmer of 
Frisco, CO. Martie is the recipient of a national award for building 
community interest in foreign language education. I would like to 
outline just a few of Martie's numerous contributions to her 
profession.
  Martie worked tirelessly on all levels to bring her noble profession 
the attention it deserves. Due to her hard work at the grassroots 
level, her Summit School District is one of the few to have K-12 
foreign language offering. But

[[Page E950]]

Martie did not stop there. She introduced her students to unique and 
practical applications of their knowledge. Summit School District 
students are writing to Mexican pen-pals, and studying in two languages 
about migratory birds.
  Martie's efforts gained the attention of the Colorado State 
Legislature, which now legally recognizes the foreign language 
profession. If it were not for Martie's determined spirit, surely this 
would never have come to pass. Both foreign language students, and 
teachers alike, owe Martie Semmer a debt of gratitude.
  It is a person such as Martie Semmer that inspires us all to take 
that extra step. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Martie Semmer, a truly outstanding teacher.

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