[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 69 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H3862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING VERNA ZIEGENHAGEN DURING TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

  (Mr. KLINE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of 
a truly inspirational individual. As we conclude Teacher Appreciation 
Week, I would like to pay tribute to Minnesota educator Verna 
Ziegenhagen, and the many dedicated teachers like her who have inspired 
each of us.
  Who among us cannot look back and recall one teacher who made a 
difference in our lives? Verna Ziegenhagen has been that person for 
hundreds of Minnesota children. Throughout her 53 years as a teacher, 
Verna Ziegenhagen instructed and inspired the students of German Lake; 
Le Center; Heidelberg; Lexington; and Le Seuer, Minnesota.
  Following her 53-year teaching career, Verna transplanted to her 
rural Le Center property a 100-plus-year-old country schoolhouse, which 
she filled with the mementoes of her teaching career. What began as a 
personal journey to preserve the memories is now a museum of tribute to 
her former students and, by extension, a shrine to her own dedication 
and sacrifice.
  Verna's dedication to teaching continues in spite of her retirement. 
For the past 16 years, this two-time Teacher of the Year has maintained 
and operated the museum, constantly changing the theme to reflect the 
seasons and capture the imagination of visitors. This is a wonderful 
teacher. We thank her.

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