[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 58 (Thursday, May 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E716-E717]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMENDING INDIANA TEACHERS FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION

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                         HON. DAVID M. McINTOSH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2000

  Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, this week is National Teacher Appreciation 
Week, a week set aside for elected leaders, parents, administrators, 
and students to express their appreciation for teachers who are making 
a difference. Every American can think of a special teacher who was an 
inspiration in their lives. For me, that teacher was Mrs. Daphne 
Richards.
  I was always a pretty good student in school, except for one thing. 
Early on, I was a slow reader. Then in sixth grade, my teacher, Mrs. 
Richards, decided that she was going to turn me into a reader. She 
introduced me to comic books--now she didn't give me Spiderman or 
Superman, but classic comic books--comic-book versions of classic 
stories like MacBeth and Last of the Mohicans. And then I wanted to 
read the real versions--I was hooked! I've loved reading ever since. 
That great teacher, Mrs. Richards, made a difference in my life--she 
made me a reader.
  Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting great teachers 
across my home state of Indiana. Some of these teachers, like Mrs. 
Richards, teach children. Others, like those I have met at Ball State 
University, teach adults. Some are moms and dads teaching their kids at 
home. Some teach in public schools, others in private institutions. 
Some coach basketball. And some give the gift of music or art. Although 
they are different in many ways, good teachers have this in common: 
They are professionals devoted to excellence, possessing talent, 
patience, fortitude, and a personal love of learning and of learners.
  For Teacher Appreciation Week, I would like to personally honor 
several teachers in Indiana with a Certificate of Special Congressional 
Recognition. Nominated by a principal, parent, or colleague to receive 
this honor, these teachers are admired and respected by those closest 
to them. They are dedicated, hard

[[Page E717]]

working, and caring professionals who are doing a great service to our 
children, our communities, and our state.
  Although they represent a small cross section of teachers who are 
making a difference in the lives of Hoosiers, I would like to list 
their names for the record. Teachers receiving a Certificate of Special 
Congressional Recognition for service to the community are as follows:
  Ms. Laura Martin teaches physical education and health at Thomas 
Jefferson Middle School in Valparaiso, Indiana. She has been teaching 
for 20 years. Also at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Ms. Janice 
Stanier has been teaching 27 and a half years. She teaches English. 
Having taught for 33 years, Mr. David Watson teaches technology at 
Thomas Jefferson Middle School. They each provide strong, positive 
leadership at this school where they have spent seventy of their 
combined eighty years of service to young people.
  At Alain LeRoy Locke Elementary School in Gary, Indiana, Mr. Alonzo 
Daniels teaches fifth grade and coaches basketball. As a coach, Mr. 
Daniels has led Alain LeRoy Locke Elementary School to two important 
championships. He is known for bringing out the best in his students on 
the court and in the classroom. By building up his students with praise 
and encouragement, they are able to go far beyond expectations.
  Mr. Al Remaly teaches Global Studies at Northwestern Middle School in 
Kokomo, Indiana where he puts in countless hours of hard work and 
dedication. He is innovative with technology and a strong advocate for 
our country and our flag. Considered an excellent role model, Mr. 
Remaly has earned the respect and appreciation of students and faculty.
  Mr. Terry Hughes teachers English, U.S. history, and Gifted and 
Talented at the Signature Learning Center in Evansville, Indiana. He is 
a hard working teacher whose expertise in the classroom is a blessing 
to the school. This outstanding educator is an example of dedication, 
expertise, and commitment to young people.
  In rural Indiana, Mr. Ken Snow teaches science at Boone Grove High 
School in Valparaiso where he is an inspiration to peers and students. 
Not only does he teach science, Mr. Snow develops curriculum, 
spearheads the school's science fair, is a co-sponsor of the National 
Honor Society, and oversees other activities. Because of his personal 
attention to students, he is known as someone who gives of himself so 
that student leave school with more than an education.
  A reading specialist at the Whitney Center in Richmond, Indiana, Ms. 
Carolyn Gibb has taught children who have had great difficulties 
learning to read. Children come from neighboring states to work with 
Ms. Gibb. Providing the gift of reading through scientifically-based 
reading instruction, Ms. Gibb has given hope to so many frustrated 
children and parents.
  At Scott Elementary School in Evansville, Indiana, Ms. Patricia 
Foster teaches second grade. Known for her wit, wisdom and gentleness, 
Ms. Foster truly understands the needs of her children. Ms. Janie 
Thomas, the kindergarten teacher at Scott Elementary, is also a greatly 
admired teacher. Her creative approach makes children excited to return 
to school each day.
  Ms. Janet Bulcher is a teacher at Stanley Hall Enrichment Center in 
Evansville, Indiana and other sites where she is an itinerant special 
education teacher. Known for her honesty, energy, and insight, Ms. 
Bulcher is deeply dedicated to the welfare of her students and their 
education. Ms. Bulcher works hard to improve the system of education, 
demonstrating to fellow adults how to work together to help children.
  At Ball State University in my home town of Muncie, Indiana, Dr. Neil 
R. Schmottlach is the John and Janice Fisher Distinguished Professor of 
Wellness and Gerontology and the Director of the Fisher Institute for 
Wellness and Gerontology. Dr. Schmottlach promotes wellness education 
to thousands of kindergarten to Higher Education learners and 
educators. Adept at using technology, he provides learners with a rich 
learning environment.
  Ms. Victoria Brush is a teacher and leader at Roncalli High School in 
Indianapolis, Indiana. Completing 52 years of teaching business 
courses, she has seen technology advance from old manual typewriters, 
to electric typewriters, to computers. Ms. Brush is also Roncalli High 
School's number one cheerleader who enthusiastically attends a majority 
of the games. According to those who know her, she is a truly humble, 
sincere person.
  In Franklin, Indiana, Ms. Becki Biberdorf is a homeschool teacher. 
Deeply dedicated to her sons, she spends countless hours planning 
trips, developing lesson plans, and searching out exciting things to 
teach. She greets the awesome responsibility of teaching her own 
children, molding their character, and setting them on life's path with 
grace and wisdom.
  Retired teacher Mr. Gene Aurand taught English at Reitz Francis 
Joseph High School in Evansville, Indiana. He also served on various 
legislative committees for the Evansville Teachers Association and has 
been active with the town board in Newburgh, Indiana. Having dedicated 
his life to teaching, he has earned the respect of his peers and 
students.
  Mr. Speaker, these caring and talented teachers are of immeasurable 
worth to Indiana. They serve day in and day out, teaching our children 
and helping them grow to adulthood. They are the pride of our community 
and essential to our quality of life. In the words of Historian Henry 
Brooks Adams ``A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his 
influence stops.''

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