[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 151 (Wednesday, October 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REGARDING LINDA BUSHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 1998

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about and to congratulate a 
great teacher in my Congressional District, Linda Bushell. Linda 
Bushell, now an assistant principal at Martin Middle School in Corpus 
Christi, Texas, is being recognized for her work with students when she 
taught history at Baker Middle School from 1990-May 1998. She is being 
named to the All-USA Teacher Team, a representative of all outstanding 
teachers who daily work to open kids' minds and advance their 
knowledge. Nineteen individuals and one team of four, were selected 
from 649 nominees.
  These exceptional teachers are being honored for making a difference. 
They inspire us not only as working professionals but also as citizens. 
Their extraordinary talent to connect with students and their ability 
to make learning fun enables them to reach out to kids and help them 
expand their horizons with special programs. Linda Bushell is one of 
four teachers who began the Community Connection program in Corpus 
Christi, Texas, a program to give at risk students an up-close look at 
why academics are relevant to real-world success. In this program Baker 
Middle School students volunteer at museums, hospitals, or other 
community sites, and observe professionals as well as hear them speak 
about what they do on a daily basis. These volunteer opportunities help 
inspire kids to be more than they believe they can be or do. For 
example, one young woman after volunteering at an office in the Nueces 
County courthouse stated happily, ``I can really be a lawyer. Women can 
be lawyers.'' The program gives students self-confidence and gives them 
a view of the real world outside of what they daily experience in 
school.
  Once again, I congratulate Linda Bushell for the superb job she does 
in the education arena for students in South Texas. We are fortunate to 
have teachers like you teaching our children. You deserve this 
recognition for you have given your heart and much hard worked hours 
for our students. Keep up the work.

                          ____________________