[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING DR. MARILYN WHIRRY, NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEVEN T. KUYKENDALL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 2000

  Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize an outstanding 
individual from my district, Dr. Marilyn Whirry. Dr. Whirry, an English 
teacher in Manhattan Beach, has been named National Teacher of the 
Year.
  For over 33 years, Dr. Whirry has taught English literature to 
students in grades 9-12 at Mira Costa High School. She has touched the 
lives of thousands, spanning generations, 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. Dr. Whirry 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, Dr. Whirry has 
become a national leader in education.
  I congratulate Dr. Marilyn Whirry on being selected as National 
Teacher of the Year. The rigorous selection process revealed what the 
students of Mira Costa High School have known all along, that Dr. 
Whirry is a remarkable teacher. This tremendous honor is a testament of 
her commitment to her students as well as a reflection of the quality 
of education in the South Bay. The students and parents of Manhattan 
Beach are grateful to have her as an educator. I wish her continued 
success.

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