[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 82 (Monday, June 26, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THOM PEABODY, L.S. WOOD TEACHER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 26, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to honor Thom 
Peabody, a man that has devoted his life to the community and to 
teaching. Mr. Peabody has been named the L.S. Wood teacher of the year. 
In recognition of this outstanding achievement, I would like to pay 
tribute to him today.
  Mr. Peabody has been a seventh grade science teacher at the Riverside 
School, in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, for twenty years. His enthusiasm 
for teaching is apparent when you only look at his students, and you 
see how much he has affected their passion for learning. One former 
student, Audrey Hughes, recalls Mr. Peabody in this way: ``Mr. Peabody 
is an inspiration to me and many others as a teacher, coach, and a 
personal role model. This seventh grade science teacher had a way of 
teaching the material in an exciting, interesting way that made 
learning easy. Students have a great deal of respect for this man 
because he shows respect for them. Mr. Peabody emphasizes how hard work 
and perseverance pay off in the end and how education is a crucial part 
of life. Mr. Peabody is an example of the person I hope to become 
someday. He has touched so many lives and means so much to all that 
know him. I feel privileged to have had this man as such a large part 
of my life. Mr. Peabody is truly my hero''.
  After 20 years of dedicated service, Thom recently retired. Students, 
staff and the community will miss this man who has touched their lives 
in so many ways. During his tenure, he went above and beyond the 
teachers call of duty, serving his community and its youth well.
  It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to pay tribute to Mr. 
Peabody and his efforts to make his community a better place to live. 
We are all grateful for his service.

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