[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 6, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H2171]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING OUR NATION'S TEACHERS

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today marks National Teacher Day, and I 
rise to recognize the important contributions and the hard work of our 
Nation's educators.
  Our teachers will inspire our children's path to their futures, 
whether it is through teaching history, mathematics, English, or 
science. They will provide children with the framework for independent 
thought and innovation.
  We in Congress are fighting to improve our education system. In order 
to be successful, we must shift power away from Washington and back 
into the hands of parents, teachers, and local officials, those who 
know our children the best.
  I recently visited the Sunset Hills Elementary School in Tarpon 
Springs, FL, in my congressional district. While I was there, I met 
with teachers, students, and administrators. This school was built in 
1958 and has approximately 500 students. Sunset Hills is often 
characterized as being a true neighborhood school, something which 
fosters a special pride within the community it serves. The school has 
a motto, Mr. Speaker, which is indicative of the character of its 
teachers and students. The motto is, ``Where the future meets every 
day.''
  During my visit, I met the promising young boys and girls who are 
tomorrow's leaders. As soon as I entered the school, I was struck by 
the pride and dedication of the students, teachers, and school 
administrators.
  At this point, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time to talk 
about some of the special people I met while visiting there. I want to 
commend Mrs. Kathy Davis on her hard work and dedication to the 
students of Sunset Hills. To my left here is a photograph which I took 
with Mrs. Davis and her students. She teaches the first grade and has 
done so for 20 years. During her tenure, Mrs. Davis has shaped the 
minds of hundreds of young people. I applaud her commitment to guide 
our children during their formative years in school. Her efforts help 
lay the foundation for her students' future years. I would also like to 
thank her students for welcoming me into her classroom. What a fine 
group of first graders.
  Behind me, as I said earlier, is a picture of Mrs. Davis and her 
students which the class sent to me shortly after my visit to the 
school.
  During my visit, I also met Sally Wakefield, who teaches English and 
language arts to fourth graders. She has taught at Sunset Hills for 19 
years and is a wonderful and inspiring educator. Not only does she 
encourage her students to better communicate their ideas, she also 
oversees the student council, a body elected by the students. It was a 
privilege to meet her and I commend her commitment to excellence.
  While at Sunset Hills, I took the time to speak with school 
administrators who shared with me the importance of school breakfast 
and lunch programs. I want to especially thank Dolores Ford, Joe 
Hornberger, Susan Honey, Betty Muzio, Stella Makryllos, Kathy Protus, 
and Gray Miller for their time. While teachers provide the basic tools 
for learning, these individuals help the Sunset students focus on 
learning by ensuring that they have adequate and nutritious meals every 
day.
  School meals, as we know, are an integral part of our children's 
educational experience. In addition these programs enhance a child's 
physical and mental development.
  Finally, I want to commend William Brewer, the principal of Sunset 
Hills Elementary. He is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day 
operations of the school. Let me say how impressed I was by the 
school's organization. Mr. Brewer is responsible for this success. His 
leadership serves as an inspiration to all of those at Sunset Hills.
  Mr. Speaker, the teachers and administrators at Sunset Hills 
Elementary are meeting the rewarding challenges of educating their 
students. As we search for ways to improve our Nation's education 
system, I want my colleagues, teachers, parents, students, 
administrators, and local officials to know that I am dedicated--I 
think all of us are--to improving our Nation's education programs. Why? 
Just look at the faces of the Sunset Hills Elementary first grade 
class. They are responsible for our Nation's future.

                          ____________________