[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E899]]



              JEWELENE SPENCER: A DIAMOND IN THE CLASSROOM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2002

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend, 
Jewelene M. Spencer, as she prepares to retire after 40 years as an 
educator, the past 32 of which were spent with Oscoda Area Schools. 
Jewel's dedication and demand for excellence has made her an invaluable 
part of the school system and the entire community for many years. Her 
influence in the classroom will be sorely missed.
  Jewel has always set high standards for herself, her colleagues and 
her students. Her faithful adherence to those standards has certainly 
been a key to her own teaching success. More importantly, however, she 
has provided the launching pad for many of her former students to soar 
to great heights. Her storied tenure has left its mark on all those who 
have had the privilege and opportunity to experience her teaching, 
whether as a student or as a fellow educator.
  Over the years, Jewel has earned many awards and honors for her 
achievements, including recognition in ``Who's Who Among America's 
Teachers,'' an ``Excellence in Education'' certificate from the Oscoda 
Area Schools Board of Education and a nomination as ``Educator of the 
Year'' for the Oscoda Area Schools. In addition, her deep sense of 
obligation to the future of young people has led her to serve as 
National Honor Society advisor and on various committees.
  Jewel also eagerly embraced her responsibility as a caretaker for the 
teaching profession. Jewel has always sought to find better methods to 
pass on the lessons she has learned in her career. She also has been a 
strong advocate for the teaching profession by serving in several 
leadership roles in the National Education Association, the Michigan 
Education Association and at the local level. Her husband, Howard; 
their son, Tyrone; and, their daughter, Sabrina; also deserve our 
gratitude for the sacrifices they surely made so that Jewel could reach 
out to others.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I wish to praise Jewel for giving so much of 
her time and enormous talent to ensuring our young people reach for the 
stars. Her former students undoubtedly will remember and point to Jewel 
their inspiration. I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing 
gratitude to Jewelene Spencer for giving our children the gift of 
education and for teaching them the value of hard work. I am confident 
she will continue to inspire and teach all those around her.

                          ____________________