[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 102 (Wednesday, September 6, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S8101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNITION OF JIM SUTTON, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE KALAMA SCHOOL DISTRICT

 Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I would like to bring the Senate's 
attention today to Mr. Jim Sutton, a man who has given a generation of 
Kalama students a unique look at the courageous acts of an older 
generation--the men and women who fought in World War II. Mr. Sutton is 
the Superintendent of the Kalama School District and also finds the 
time to teach a course on World War II and the Cold War. Through his 
great personal interest in WWII and his desire to transfer some of his 
interest onto his students, Jim has made history come alive for them.
  Mr. Sutton's class, based on the book Band of Brothers, by Stephen 
Ambrose, uses firsthand accounts of companies who were a part of D-Day 
in WWII. Ambrose's book documents the accounts of E Company, which the 
movie, ``Saving Private Ryan,'' was based.
  Mr. Sutton has made it possible for his students to meet some of 
these great men who fought in WWII. Jim has brought an Italian officer 
that fought Rommel in the African Campaign, a P-51 pilot who brought 
actual video footage from his wing cameras, a machine gunner who landed 
at D-Day, and a German soldier who spent two years in a Russian 
prisoner of war camp.
  Anyone can see how Mr. Sutton recognizes the sacrifices of the WWII 
generation and has shared it with others. Most impressive was in June 
when five of Mr. Sutton's students accompanied him to the opening of 
the D-Day museum in New Orleans, Louisiana where students were able to 
meet their history book heroes in person.
  I have always considered my ``Innovation in Education'' Awards to 
highlight special people and programs, and this award demonstrates how 
innovative a typical U.S. history class can be. Mr. Sutton has created 
a live link between the past and the present for his students.
  Greg Rayl, Principal of Kalama Middle and High School, who nominated 
Mr. Sutton for the award adds, ``Too often superintendents are many 
steps removed from the daily classroom management and operations of 
their district's schools. Jim not only walks the halls interacting with 
students and teachers, but teaches as well.''
  As an avid reader of history, I am delighted to learn about Mr. 
Sutton who has gone the extra mile to make history come alive for his 
students. I ask that the Senate join me in commending Mr. Sutton for 
his dedication to his students and for bringing two generations 
together.

                          ____________________