[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 74 (Wednesday, June 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1003-E1004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING DEBI BARRETT-HAYES, EDUCATOR FROM FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALLEN BOYD

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 14, 2000

  Mr. BOYD. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the dedicated work of 
my constituents and one of Florida's finest educators. Debi Barrett-
Hayes, has spent the past twenty years of her life working to enrich 
the minds of our youth by teaching Art to students from Kindergarten 
through 12th grade. Today, June 14, 2000, Debi Barrett-Hayes will be 
inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. It is her invaluable 
commitment and dedication that we honor today.
  Ms. Barrett-Hayes is currently the Chair of the Visual Arts 
Department K-12 and a teacher of Visual Arts grades 9-12 with Florida 
State University School in Tallahassee, Florida. She has spent her 
entire career committed to the arts. Debi began as a graphic designer 
and freelance artist, then moved into the education field where she has 
stayed for the past twenty years. She has been teaching art to students 
of all levels, including the Primary, Secondary and University levels. 
Throughout her career, Ms. Barrett-Hayes has

[[Page E1004]]

been honored with a variety of awards. Just this past year, he was 
given the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Award. In 1996 she was named 
Florida Art Educator of the Year, and the year before Florida State 
University School also named her Teacher of the Year.
  Debi is also the National Art Education Association Secondary 
Division Director and was one of the first art teachers to obtain the 
status of National Board Certified Teacher. Her commitment to 
advocating the importance of art on the national level has been 
impressive throughout her career. She has successfully written numerous 
grant requests, and has brought in over $400,000 in additional funds 
for her school district. Conducting over 300 workshops and being 
invited to speak on the state, national and international level 
certainly distinguishes her remarkable career.
  The greatest reflection of an educator's career is when they are 
recognized by their peers and students. Countless colleagues, parents 
and students have eagerly stepped forward to praise the work of Debi 
Barrett-Hayes. They are impressed with her rapport with students and 
with her ability to integrate art into the lives of those she teaches. 
She uses history, science and culture to bring about a greater 
understanding of the visual arts. Other impressive attributes to her 
career are the successes her students experience through the awards and 
scholarships they have received for their talents. The need for caring 
and effective educators in today's society is extremely important, and 
honoring those who have dedicated their lives to reinforcing a system 
of quality education is why we honor them.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, we join Debi Barrett-Hayes' family, 
colleagues, students and friends in honoring her as she is inducted 
into the National Teachers Hall of Fame.

                          ____________________