[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATIONS TO NORTHWEST INDIANA EDUCATORS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and enthusiasm 
that I wish to congratulate an exceptional group of Northwest Indiana 
educators. The Indiana State Teacher's Association will present these 
outstanding individuals with the 2002-2003 Crystal Apple Award for 
excellence in education during a banquet on Wednesday, May 7, 2003 in 
Schererville, Indiana. This year's recipients are: Darlene M. Vassil, 
Linda Johnson, Estelle Becke, Judith Thayer, Renee Kouris, James Crist, 
and Sherry Peters.
  Darlene Vassil is a 22-year veteran of art education, and she 
effectively uses this wealth of experience to enrich the lives of her 
students. She was awarded a grant from the Indiana Department of 
Education to develop an electronic portfolio program so that her 
students can learn to enhance creativity through technology. Darlene's 
enthusiasm and dedication for her work led to her involvement in the 
Fine Arts and Music Education (FAME) organization. She was instrumental 
in the organization of the Northwest Indiana FAME Festivals Imaginarium 
for the past two years, and has been responsible for various art 
displays from other cultures being brought to her community.
  Linda Johnson has served in the Hanover Community School Corporation 
for 28 years, and her dedication and professionalism is unsurpassed. 
She has taught students at various grade levels throughout the 
elementary and intermediate system. She currently teaches fifth grade 
at Lincoln Elementary and will retire after the school year is 
completed. Known for her intelligence and wisdom, Linda is a source of 
advice for both her students and her peers. Her devotion and humor will 
be greatly missed.
  Estelle Becke began her career as an elementary school teacher in the 
Highland school system, and currently teaches seventh grade geography. 
She is a bold, strong, and loyal person who has a passion for both her 
subject area and her craft. Estelle has sponsored her school's 
Geography Bee, and has also emceed the school-wide event. She has spent 
her career teaching her students tolerance for those from diverse 
cultures and backgrounds.
  Judith Thayer has dedicated 30 of her 34\1/2\ years of teaching to 
the Lake Central School Corporation. She currently teaches fourth grade 
at Kolling Elementary School in St. John, Indiana. Her efforts and 
excellence in the classroom have undoubtedly contributed to the status 
of Kolling as one of Indiana's Four Star Schools. Although Judith has a 
principal's certificate, she chooses to be in the classroom because of 
her love for the students.
  Renee Kouris has touched the lives not only of her theater students, 
but also the lives of those who watch their performances. Her 
compassion for her students and her desire to include every student in 
her productions has made Renee one of the most popular teachers at 
Munster High School. Last year, her theater class participated in a 
state-wide competition and placed second for the original work that 
they wrote, produced, and presented. Her ability to challenge students 
and faculty while remaining humorous, compassionate, and sincere makes 
her an excellent choice for the 2002-2003 Crystal Apple Award.
  James Crist is known for his ability to connect with students in a 
way that few other teachers are able to duplicate. He directs the 
Pupils Reached by Individual Direct Education (PRIDE) program, which 
reaches out to students who have difficulty adapting to standard 
teaching methods. He teaches them to take pride in themselves and their 
work. James promotes fairness, acceptance, and stability to students 
who otherwise would have given up on their education. His adaptability 
to meet the needs of his students is remarkable, and we are deeply 
indebted to him for his dedication to his pupils.
  Sherry Peters uses her work ethic, dedication, and creative spirit to 
improve her teaching methods and effectiveness. She does not simply 
rely on her lesson plans from previous years, but she constantly 
updates her materials and evaluates her methods in an attempt to reach 
her pupils. She has the ability to understand her students and connect 
with them in the classroom, and she uses this ability to take them far 
beyond their previous limitations. She uses creative strategies to 
enrich the lives of her students, and the seniors at Lowell High School 
have elected her the Most Influential Teacher on many occasions.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in congratulating these tremendous educators as they 
accept the 2002-2003 Crystal Apple Award from the Indiana State 
Teacher's Association. Their tireless dedication to enriching the minds 
of today's youth is invaluable, and I am proud to represent these 
outstanding teachers in Congress.

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