[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  LOCAL TEACHER DAVID RAU PRESENTED WITH SAM'S CLUB ``TEACHER OF THE 
                              YEAR'' AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LARRY COMBEST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2000

  Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, today I commend Mr. David Rau for his 
tremendous contributions to educate children and improve our community. 
On May 9, 2000, SAM's National Wholesale Food Club awarded him with the 
honor of being their ``Teacher of the Year.''
  ``Teacher of the Year'' is the highest honor that SAM's can present 
to an American educator. Nearly 3,000 teachers are honored nationwide 
every year. Each teacher receives an educational grant in the amount of 
$500, for which he or she can designate how the funds will be spent. 
Since 1996, more than $5.1 million in education grants have been given 
by SAM's to schools across the country. Each Wal-Mart store, SAM's 
Wholesale Club, Distribution Center and Transportation Office is 
allowed one winner. The Amarillo SAM's Club selected Mr. Rau from the 
Amarillo school district applicants, and the national headquarters 
named their finalists from these selected teachers.
  As a middle school teacher at St. Andrews Episcopal School in 
Amarillo, Texas, Mr. Rau's motivation has inspired and encouraged 
students to pursue their dreams over the years. He is the kind of 
teacher who makes learning fun and exciting. He sets his students on a 
path for their future and steers them in a positive direction. I 
commend Mr. Rau for his dedication to providing the best possible 
education each child can get and congratulate him on being the 
``Teacher of the Year.''

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