[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 24, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S9906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO SUSAN M. WOODWARD, OUTSTANDING TEACHER

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to 
honor Susan M. Woodward, the New Hampshire winner of the Sallie Mae 
First Class Teacher's Award, which recognizes the Nation's outstanding 
elementary and secondary school teachers in their first year of 
teaching. Susan was selected for her outstanding dedication to teaching 
and her love for her students in her first year at Mastricola Middle 
School in Merrimack, NH.
  Ms. Woodward received her bachelor of arts degree from Rivier College 
in Nashua, NH, in 1995. She graduated summa cum laude and was 
valedictorian of her class. Ms. Woodward joined the staff of the 
Merrimack School District as a substitute, and is currently employed as 
a full-time French teacher at Mastricola Middle School.
  Dedicated, creative, hard-working and inspirational are all words 
which describe Ms. Woodward. A perfectionist by nature, Susan uses a 
variety of instructional techniques, auditory and visual, so her 
students are always active participants in their learning. She makes 
her classes fun, employing a marvelous sense of humor, fairness and 
compassion. Ms. Woodward believes every student has potential, every 
student is special, and makes every effort to be available for her 
students.
  Active inside and outside the classroom, Ms. Woodward is a good role 
model for her students. Whether staying after school helping her 
students or dancing at a school dance, Ms. Woodward is always available 
for advice and support.
  The mark of a great teacher is one who cares, unconditionally, about 
the success and well-being of students. Mr. President, as a former 
teacher myself, I understand the challenges, responsibilities and 
dedication involved with teaching. I admire and respect Ms. Woodward 
for establishing herself as an irreplaceable teacher in the school 
district of Merrimack. Most importantly, she is helping to shape the 
lives of the young students who are the future of New Hampshire and the 
country. I am very honored to have Ms. Woodward as a teacher in the 
Granite State. The Sallie Mae Award has indeed gone to a first-class 
teacher.

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