[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 6, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H2176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE INFLUENCE OF TEACHERS IN OUR LIVES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 21, 1997, the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Pappas] is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, for many of us, what we are doing today and 
the person that we are today can be traced back, at least in part, to 
the influence that a particular teacher had on us. In so many ways, 
teachers, whether in grade school or high school, have encouraged us 
and inspired us as we grew.
  The formidable years, those years in which we begin to think about 
what we want to be and the path of how to get there, are so many times 
guided by teachers. I know many people have chosen a profession or 
excelled in an area based on the influence of a teacher. That influence 
sometimes reaches well beyond guiding us through the four R's.
  For anyone who has logged onto my web site or was at the Speaker's 
opening day reception, they know that I enjoy singing. Aside from 
recently joining with one of my colleagues, one of which was the 
gentleman from South Dakota [Mr. Thune], in forming a congressional 
quartet, music has been a part of my life since childhood.

                              {time}  1315

  My lifelong love of music and singing has been inspired by my 
elementary school music teacher, Mr. Erin Sanders. Mr. Sanders led us 
in song each week while he played the accordion at the Pine Grove Manor 
School in Franklin Township, NJ, where I attended.
  He also taught each of us that was interested in learning to play a 
musical instrument. I recall with fondness how he would 
enthusiastically direct at both practice and especially at concerts.
  I remember one day I had traveled into New York City with my father 
and, among other things, I purchased a conductor's baton. When I 
returned to school, I lent the baton to Mr. Sanders to use for an 
upcoming concert. At the end of the school year, I wrapped it and I 
left it for Mr. Sanders in his office, and I can still remember the 
smile on his face when he thanked me for it. It was a small offering to 
him for all he had given to me.
  All of us should take the time to reflect on our own school 
experiences and remember those teachers and programs that made a 
difference. Sometimes it was not just what we were encouraged to do but 
also what we were encouraged not to do. Whether it was just talking, 
being confident, challenging us, or developing a talent, I hope we 
remember how Mrs. So-and-so or Mr. So-and-so took the time to make us 
feel special. Each of us are gifted in one way or another. Maybe you 
are an artist, mathematician, writer, runner, or singer, but whatever 
it is, never forget who was there when you needed someone's prodding or 
encouragement.
  So as we celebrate National Teacher's Week, I want to say a special 
thank you to Mr. Sanders for the difference he made in my life.

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