[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1592-E1593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CELIA DUNHAM ON BEING NAMED COLORADO TEACHER OF THE YEAR 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Celia Dunham 
on being named Colorado Teacher of the Year 2001 by Wal-Mart, Sam's 
Club, and the Miss America Organization.
  Celia Dunham, of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, teaches first grade at 
Strawberry Park Elementary. For her accomplishment, she will be 
presented $2,500 in the name of Strawberry Park, and she will be 
considered for the national award.
  Celia has taught full-time in the Steamboat School District since 
1978. She is the first to explain that she has benefited from her kids 
by teaching them. She told Avi Salzman of The Steamboat Pilot that 
``their energy goes into me,'' and that, ``It's what keeps me young.'' 
As any good teacher acknowledges, she also realizes that ``she has 
learned an incredible amount from her kids.''
  Before entering consideration for the state competition, Celia first 
won the local competition, which was chosen from nominees entered by 
local Wal-Mart customers. For that honor, she received $500 to use in 
her classroom. She was then entered into the statewide competition with 
52 other candidates, where a panel of educational experts selected her 
as the winner. The contestants were chosen for their ``rapport with 
students, student performance and teaching standards,'' said Wal-Mart 
Spokesman Rob Phillips.
  Mr. Speaker, teachers provide a service vital to our Nation's youth. 
Celia has provided an excellent example for other teachers to follow. I 
would like to thank her for her dedication, and to congratulate her on 
being Colorado's Teacher of the Year.

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