[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 130 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING DONALD BOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 7, 2002

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to honor a dedicated and 
accomplished educator in Northern California, Mr. Donald Bott. Don was 
recently named the 2002 National High School Journalism Teacher of the 
Year by the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund.
  When the Newspaper Fund began in 1958, it focused on helping high 
school journalism teachers achieve their potential in teaching the 
skills to make their students first-rate journalists. The tradition 
continues to this day with the Fund's recognition program for 
outstanding teachers. This year, the Newspaper Fund concluded that Don 
Bott, who teaches at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Stockton, 
California, represents the nation's best in scholastic media advisers.
  Don, who was previously named as one of only five Distinguished 
Advisors by the Newspaper Fund in 2000, will now have the opportunity 
to travel to conferences throughout the year, speaking about the 
importance of offering journalism as a core part of school curriculum.
  Don's academic background is exceptional. Over the years, he has 
earned various degrees and certificates, including a Journalism 
Educator certificate, a Language Development Specialist certificate, a 
Single-Subject Secondary Teaching Credential, a Master of Arts decree 
in English from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor 
of Arts degree in Literature, with honors, from my alma mater, the 
University of California, Santa Cruz.
  Furthermore, Don has excelled professionally as an educator. Aside 
from teaching at both the high school and college levels, he has worked 
to develop standards and curricula in the field of secondary school 
journalism studies. His peers have recognized his excellence by naming 
him as a Special Recognition Adviser, San Joaquin A+ Educator, and 
1994-95 San Joaquin County Teacher of the Year.
  Despite the accolades he has received personally, Don Bott views his 
work with a measure of modesty. He is quick to point out that the 
success of Stagg High School's newspaper, The Stagg Line, is a 
reflection of the talent and commitment of the students who produce it. 
Not surprisingly, one of his recent students has also received national 
acclaim. Together, Don and his students have created an award-winning 
newspaper. Among the honors it has garnered are: eight consecutive NSPA 
All-Americans, three National Pacemakers, two CSPA Gold Medalists, a 
Quill and Scroll International First Place, a first-pace state JEANC 
Best of the West, three first-place NSPA National Best of Show awards, 
a Journalist Impact Award, and numerous regional awards.
  While he is humble about his own role in the newspaper's success, Don 
is very proud of what his students have achieved in light of their 
school district's circumstances. Whereas many of the acclaimed student 
newspapers in the country are produced in affluent schools, The Stagg 
Line has been a bright spot in a high school that underperforms on 
standardized tests. This, indeed, is a tribute to a great teacher, 
inspired students, and hard work.
  I congratulate Don Bott for the outstanding work he has done to touch 
young lives and advance the quality of news journalism. May he and his 
colleagues continue their great success.

                          ____________________