[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF BARBARA KIRIE STEWART

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY J. HYDE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 1999

  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, education is in crisis today in America. That 
is why I think it is important to recognize an outstanding teacher. I 
rise today to recognize Barbara Kirie Stewart, daughter of a colleague 
and friend of mine, James C. Kirie. Mrs. Stewart teaches at Brentwood 
Academy in Tennessee where an endowed chair for history has recently 
been established in her name. This honor could not have been bestowed 
on a more deserving or dedicated woman, one who truly understands the 
joy of giving--to her students, her friends and family, and to future 
generations.
  The endowment chair lets the rest of the world know how integral 
Barbara is to Brentwood Academy. Mrs. Barbara Stewart came to Brentwood 
Academy in the fall of 1972, in time to see the first class graduate 
the following spring. She brought with her a B.A. degree from 
Lindenwood College and the gift of making history come alive through 
her effective classroom teaching style.
  Barbara's work with the Youth in Government program and as the 
founding sponsor of the R.O. Beauchamp chapter of the National Honor 
Society are just some of the many community enrichment activities with 
which she has involved herself. Barbara's devotion to students and 
education has taken her through 25 years as the History Department 
Chair at Brentwood Academy. Along the way, she also earned an M.A.T. 
from Vanderbuilt. Those who have known Barbara in the classroom have 
discovered quanlities that cannot be captured: an enthusiasm that 
stamps her presence into their memories forever.
  Mrs. Barbara Stewart's former students say it best * * *.

       I became a teacher because of your inspiration. Thank you 
     for all you did for me as a student and all you have inspired 
     me to do as a teacher.
       I can still hear your voice and recall the enjoyment of 
     learning history from you.
       You taught me to always ask why, not just who and when. 
     That has made all the difference.
       Yours is the one class from my high school days that 
     continues to capture my imagination and still sends me to the 
     bookshelves scrambling for more information.
       No teacher in high school or college taught me as much as 
     you. No teacher taught me how to learn as well as you. And no 
     teacher was ever as hard as you either!
       Every once in a while there is a teacher who, with 
     contagious enthusiasm, is able to impact knowledge and show 
     genuine interest in her students, thus earning their 
     affection and respect in return. Thank you for being one of 
     those rare teachers.
       The longer I live, the more I realize that your hard work, 
     dedication, and selfless service has enriched my life in 
     countless ways.

  Mr. Speaker, the Barbara Kirie Stewart Endowed Chair for History 
preserves the legacy of academic achievement lived out at Brentwood 
Academy through Mrs. Barbara Stewart--an exemplary citizen whose 
excellence in teaching is unsurpassed.

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