[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 87 (Thursday, June 13, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO PIA HARRIS, SAN MARCOS, CA, TEACHER OF THE YEAR

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                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 1996

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Mrs. Pia 
Harris, a teacher at Alvin Dunn Elementary School in my congressional 
district, who has been named San Marcos, CA, Teacher of the Year.
  Excellent education gives our young people a fighting chance at the 
American dream. Our communities and our country benefit from the work 
of outstanding teachers. As a former teacher and coach, as a dad, and 
as chairman of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and 
Families, I am thankful for Mrs. Harris' work.
  I ask that the permanent Record of the Congress of the United States 
include the following article, from the May 1, 1996, North County 
Times, in appreciation for the honor bestowed upon Pia Harris by the 
San Marcos Unified School District.

              [From the Northern County Times, May, 1996]

          Dunn Elementary Instructor Named SM Teacher of Year

                        (By Sandra San Agustin)

       San Marcos.--After raising 10 children, Pia Harris decided 
     he had enough practical experience to become a teacher.
       She had been a PTA member, a Brownie leader and a school 
     aide.
       When she hit her 40s, she went back to school and obtained 
     a college education and her teaching credential.
       On Friday, the Alvin Dunn Elementary School teacher 
     received the ``Teacher of the Year'' award at the San Marcos 
     Unified School District's employee recognition dinner.
       ``I'm very, very honored to be chosen for such a wonderful 
     award,'' said the Swedish native. ``There are so many 
     excellent teachers out there that also deserve it.''
       Harris' husband. Pat Ebert and a handful of parents 
     surprised the fifth-grade teacher with a small party in her 
     classroom on Tuesday morning.
       Former students joined Harris' class in congratulating her 
     for winning the award.
       ``It was because of each of you that I was chosen (Teacher 
     of the Year),'' a teary-eyed Harris told the group.
       Parents and students alike said Harris deserved the award 
     because she makes learning fun and sincerely cares for the 
     children.
       ``If you always complete your work and forget something one 
     day, she lets you slide by,'' said Kyle Dodson, 11. ``She 
     always gives you a chance.''
       When Kathy Rocha's 10-year old daughter, Caity, entered the 
     fifth grade, Rocha pushed to have her placed in Harris' 
     class.
       Her other daughter, Lisa, had been Harris' student a few 
     years back.
       ``(Harris) loves her students with all her heart and is 
     always hugging them,'' Rocha said. ``At this age, the 
     children are usually standoffish, but they love her.''
       Harris moved to the United States when she was 21 and 
     settled in Southern California.
       A champion of higher education, she decided to become a 
     teacher because of the influence she would have on children.
       ``Education doesn't stop within the classroom,'' said the 
     26-year San Marcos resident, ``I often encourage students and 
     their parents to get involved in the community.''
       Besides teaching, Harris is also president of the San 
     Marcos teacher's union, a member of the San Marcos 
     Educational Foundation, direct of the North County Transit 
     District board, and is serving her fourth term as a San 
     Marcos City Council member.

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