[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 171 (Tuesday, December 11, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S12858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  IDAHO TEACHER WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

 Mr. CRAIG. Madam President, I rise today to recognize a 
teacher from Idaho who has achieved national recognition for her work 
in physical education. Danette Lansing, from Eagle, ID, has been chosen 
to receive the Disney American Teacher Award, one of only 36 teachers 
chosen for such an honor. In fact, she was chosen from among that 
select group as one of the top ten teachers in the Nation, and the top 
teacher in the ``Wellness/Sports'' category.
  It is a great honor for the people of Idaho that a teacher from our 
State has won this award. It has always been my belief that the 
education system in Idaho is one of the finest in the Nation, and 
having a teacher from Idaho chosen for the Disney American Teacher 
Award only reinforces this belief. Our State has produced many fine 
teachers and students over the years, and this award is merely an 
outward indication of what Idahoans already know.
  One look at her career shows why she was chosen for this award. As a 
physical education teacher, she has done much for the students of Eagle 
Elementary School to make them more active and increase their physical 
health. As Bart Roen of Disney said about Miss Lansing's selection: 
``If I had to pick one thing, it's the creativity . . . the kinds of 
things she does and how well it ties in with what she teaches the 
kids.'' For example, her success in creating a walking club at Eagle 
Elementary School has not only students walking during lunch, but also 
teachers and neighbors.
  Not surprisingly, this is not the first award Miss Lansing has won. 
In 1999, she was named Idaho's Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 
However, these awards pale in comparison to the high praise her 
students have for her. In fact, one of my own staff members had 
children who were students of Miss Lansing's, and he reports that she 
was one of their favorite teachers. It has been obvious to the people 
of Eagle and the State of Idaho that she is a great teacher, now it 
will be obvious to the Nation.
  As you can see, Danette Lansing is truly a treasure for her school, 
for Idaho, and indeed for the Nation in general. Teachers like Miss 
Lansing make education a rewarding experience for students and parents 
alike. I am proud that she was chosen for the American Teacher Award. 
She is a great example for the rest of the State and the Nation, and I 
hope this award gives her a platform so she can help other teachers to 
have the same success she has.

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