[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 18, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H3606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNITION OF TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the House of 
January 23, 2002, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson) is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I hate to hear them talking 
about drugs this early in the morning, because the Republican plan will 
work. We believe in democracy and free enterprise, and that is how it 
is going to work.
  Mr. Speaker, we have good teachers and we have great teachers, and it 
is an honor to bring to my colleagues' attention distinguished teachers 
from the Third Congressional District of Texas. I am pleased to 
recognize these recipients of the Teacher of the Year Award, who enable 
our students to understand and learn from each other and strive to 
achieve their goals.
  Great teachers nurture our country's best hope for tomorrow: our 
children. Children may be a fraction of our society, but they are 100 
percent of our future. The perseverance and dedication of our teachers 
challenge and shape students to dream, to work, to make those dreams 
come true.
  Unfortunately, educators work with little public thanks or 
appreciation, even though top-notch teachers are essential to a strong 
future. These dedicated educators in particular go beyond the call of 
duty and selflessly make our children and our country a better place.
  It is my distinct honor to present the teachers of the year from 
Garland, Texas, and Richardson, Texas:
  In Garland Independent School District, the teacher of the year is 
Carol Clark.
  In Richardson Independent School District, the teachers of the year 
are Betty Jackson and Kari Gilbertson.
  As the highest-ranking Texan on the Committee on Education and the 
Workforce, I know firsthand the importance of a quality education. 
However, it is outstanding teachers like these who strive for 
excellence. I thank these hometown heroes and excellent educators for 
all they do for Garland, for Richardson, for our children, for America, 
and for freedom. God bless them.

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