[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 47 (Wednesday, April 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNITION OF CHAUNCEY VEATCH, NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR, COACHELLA 
                    VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, THERMAL, CA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MARY BONO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 24, 2002

  Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chauncey Veatch, 
the National Teacher of the Year, from Coachella Valley High School in 
Thermal, CA. Mr. Veatch deserves our praise and admiration for this 
honor, and I am proud to have him teaching America's future leaders in 
California's 44th Congressional district.
  Chauncey Veatch teaches social studies in Thermal to a particularly 
diverse group of students, where out of the 2,900 students at his 
school, approximately 96 percent are Latino and about half of those 
come from migrant families. Some of these students continue to struggle 
with the English language, though Mr. Veatch is able to work through 
these barriers to assist the youth around him. The high school itself 
lies in a desert area, and is thus unlike more urbanized areas of 
southern California, but boasts of rich agricultural resources and a 
proud community.
  Mr. Veatch's background is one that undoubtedly helps in his ability 
to convey those concepts most important for his students while having a 
lasting effect on their educational careers. After the gulf war, and a 
distinguished military career that introduced him to many differing 
countries and cultures, Chauncey entered the Defense Language Institute 
at the Presidio of Monterey. There he immersed himself in Spanish, 
becoming an honor graduate in the Basic Class, in the Intermediate 
Class, and in the Advanced Class.
  Given the passage last year of H.R. 1, the No Child Left Behind Act, 
the integral role that teachers play in the lives of our children was 
again apparent. Without guidance and assistance from teachers like 
Chauncey, we will not be able to properly introduce these reforms and 
have their implementation be successful. Both President Bush and Mrs. 
Bush have been great leaders in the vital role that teachers play in 
our society. President Bush stated well this concept in saying how 
important it is to ``thank our teachers,'' and ``herald such a noble 
and important profession for the future of our country.''
  The unique and extremely rewarding time spent in a classroom with 
Chauncey has already shown results, with his students receiving acclaim 
with regard to Math Day, Art Awards, and History Day, among many other 
awards. His classroom is truly a place for opportunity for all, where 
literacy and dreams are modeled into a lifetime of learning and 
believing in one's highest potential.
  Thus it is easy to see why Chauncey Veatch has been selected as the 
National Teacher of the Year, as he represents the professionalism, 
humility, understanding, and intelligence that deserves our attention.
  Again, I would like to personally recognize and congratulate Chauncey 
Veatch for winning this award and for his continued contributions to 
the students and future of California's 44th District.

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