[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 162 (Tuesday, November 16, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     HONORING DR. MARILYN WHIRRY, CALIFORNIA'S TEACHER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEVEN T. KUYKENDALL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 1999

  Mr. KUYKENDALL, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional 
individual from my district, Dr. Marilyn Whirry. Dr. Whirry, an English 
teacher in Manhattan Beach, was recently named California's Teacher of 
the Year. She is the first South Bay teacher to win this award and 
advance to the National Teacher of the Year competition.
  For over 30 years, Dr. Whirry has taught English to students in 
grades 9-12 at Mira Costa High School. She has touched the lives of 
thousands, instilling in her students the importance of education.
  She currently teaches Advanced Placement English to Mira Costa 
seniors. When Dr. Whirry took over the program 9 years ago, only 26 
students were in the class. The program has since developed under her 
direction and now enrollment is roughly 150 students. She expects a lot 
from her students, and implements a challenging curriculum focused upon 
rigorous learning and discovery.
  Dr. Whirry's commitment to educational excellence extends beyond the 
Manhattan Beach Unified School District. She is also a professor at 
Loyola Marymount University and regularly conducts reading workshops 
throughout southern California. She has been a consultant for several 
states including California, and she has also advised President 
Clinton. Last year she was selected as the chairperson of the National 
Assessments Governing Board's committee to develop a voluntary national 
reading test to assess fourth graders. Over her career, she has become 
a national leader in education.
  I congratulate Dr. Marilyn Whirry on being selected as California's 
Teacher of the Year. It is a testament of her commitment to her 
students as well as a reflection of the quality of education in the 
South Bay. She is a valuable member of the community, and I wish her 
much success in the national competition. The students and parents of 
Manhattan Beach are grateful to have her as an educator.

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