[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 128 (Friday, October 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TEACHERS' APPRECIATION DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2000

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, a proclamation signed by Acting-Governor 
Madeleine Bordallo on September 1, 2000, designated the month of 
September as ``Teacher's Recognition Month.'' Three years ago, the Guam 
Legislature designated September 28th as ``Teachers' Appreciation Day'' 
in order to pay tribute and acknowledge the important role played by 
teachers on the island of Guam.
  Intended to coincide with the birthday of the Chinese philosopher, 
Confucius, the month-long celebration was set aside to honor those who 
have dedicated themselves to the teaching profession. Regarded as one 
of the world's greatest philosophers and teachers, Confucius has been 
given credit for the development of public education. Hence, for the 
past three years, the Confucius Society of Guam, under the leadership 
of its president, Robert Kao, has worked towards raising the 
community's awareness regarding the importance of teachers to every 
community.
  In this year's events, the island of Guam chose to celebrate the 
legacy of its teachers by honoring current teachers whose families 
include generations of classroom teachers among its members. Among 
those honored are Phyliss L. Leon Guerrero, Debra R. Mariano, and my 
very own daughter, Sophia R. Underwood.
  Phyliss, who is from George Washington High School in Mangilao, has 
been a teacher for eight years who has four generations of teachers in 
her family. Her great-grandmother, Asuncion Martinez Cruz, taught at a 
school run by the Spaniards in the 1890's. Her grandmother, Vicenta 
S.A. Leon Guerrero, taught in schools established by the Americans from 
1922 until 1962. She is the daughter of Virginia Artero Leon Guerrero, 
an elementary school teacher who taught for 14 years, and Wilfred Leon 
Guerrero, the former president of the University of Guam.
  Debra, a four-year veteran, teaches at Agueda Johnston Middle School. 
Her grandfather, Cayetano A. Quinata, served as a teacher and principal 
at several elementary schools for a period of 39 years. Her 
grandfather, Alejo L.G. Quinata, taught under the Japanese during the 
occupation of Guam during World War II. Her mother, Mary Q. Mariano, 
taught at P.C. Lujan Elementary, Price Elementary and the Guam 
Community College.
  My daughter, Sophia, has been teaching for more than five years. She 
also comes from a long and solid line of teachers. My grandfather, 
James H. Underwood, taught English at night school soon after the 
Americans took possession of Guam in 1898. He taught until 1905. My 
parents, John and Esther, as well as my wife, Lorraine, and I have been 
teachers.
  Mr. Speaker, public officials, such as ourselves, do not officially 
gain the title ``Honorable'' until the constituents we serve grant us 
their mandate through our election. It was not until 1992 that the 
title was granted to me. However, I firmly believe that I, together 
with my colleagues in the field of education, have earned the title 
long before--by having been a teacher, a member of a most honorable 
profession.
  Over the years, teachers have insured a bright future through the 
education of our youth. Teachers have been willing to share their 
knowledge and adjust to meet the needs of students. In our present 
society where the family unit is under constant exposure to external 
and internal conflicts and pressures, we look toward our teachers to be 
role models who play a vital role in the development of every child 
placed under their supervision. On Teachers' Recognition Month and, 
especially, on Teachers' Appreciation Day, I commend and congratulate 
my esteemed colleagues in the field of education, the teachers of Guam.

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