[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 156 (Saturday, November 8, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S12198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   FIRST ANNUAL WORLD EDUCATOR AWARD

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise to join the Washington 
World Affairs Council in congratulating Mr. Keith Forest of Decatur 
High School in Federal Way, Washington, as the very first recipient of 
the World Educator Award.
  The World Affairs Council is a 1,200 member nonprofit organization of 
business and community leaders with more than 40 years of experience 
bringing the world to Washington State. Through its many programs, 
including the Global Classroom, the World Affairs Council has been an 
instrumental force in educating the people of my State about the world 
around us; our varied and diverse cultures, changing political and 
security environments, and of course, the importance of international 
trade. It is appropriate and noteworthy that this widely respected 
organization would annually recognize a World Educator in our State.
  On December 6, 1997, Mr. Keith Forest will be presented with the 
World Educator Award. This award recognizes an outstanding teacher of 
the world including global cultures, contemporary world issues and 
world languages.
  I would like to join the World Affairs Council in acknowledging and 
recognizing Keith Forest for his invaluable contributions to our 
children's understanding of the world. Keith Forest has been a teacher 
for more than 25 years. His own experience as a student of the world 
has been shared with thousands of students and future leaders.
  Mr. Forest does not rely on easily outdated texts to teach about the 
ever changing world, but instead has designed his own curriculum. As a 
frequent traveler, Mr. Forest brings to his class slides and videos and 
stories from around the globe. The posters of Chairman Mao's Cultural 
Revolution and the pottery shards used by his archeology students are 
tangible examples of how Keith Forest's teaching brings world history 
to life.
  Mr. Forest has taught social studies at Decatur High School in 
Washington State for 15 years and his reputation precedes him through 
the halls. Students line up to take his classes, knowing the hands-on, 
in-depth exposure they will receive in his class. His passion and 
enthusiasm for helping his students grasp socio-political concepts and 
foreign affairs easily transfers to his eager classroom participants.
  A Fullbright Scholar, Mr. Forest has studied in Japan, Korea and 
China and has led numerous expeditions and exchange programs. He wrote 
the Washington State curriculum on the Holocaust after a trip to 
Israel. Additionally, he authored the Port of Seattle sponsored 
curriculum on international trade that is used throughout the State.
  Congratulations to Keith Forest and the World Affairs Council. Your 
work in the classroom echoes through our State and educates us 
all.

                          ____________________