[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 87 (Friday, June 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO DANA JOHNSON OF BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN--EXCEPTIONAL TEACHER

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                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2003

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, Education is the key for our 
Nation's future prosperity and security. The formidable responsibility 
of molding and inspiring young minds to the avenues of hope, 
opportunity and achievement rests partly in the hands of our teachers. 
Today I would like to recognize a teacher from Battle Creek, Michigan 
that most influenced and motivated exceptional students in academics 
and leadership that were winners of the LeGrand Smith scholarship.
  Mr. Dana Johnson teaches mathematics at the Battle Creek Area 
Mathematics & Science Center. He is credited for instilling in students 
an enthusiasm for mathematics. In one student's own words, ``Mr. 
Johnson made math come alive, and he always gave real-world examples of 
even the most abstract topics.'' -The respect and gratitude of his 
students speaks well of Mr. Johnson's ability to challenge young minds 
to stretch the mental muscles and strive to achieve the best that is in 
them.
  Mr. Johnson's excellence in teaching challenges and inspires students 
to move beyond the teen-age tendency toward surface study and encourage 
deeper thought and connections to the real world. No profession is more 
important in its influence and daily interaction with the future 
leaders of our community and our country, and Dana Johnson's impact on 
his students is certainly deserving of recognition.
  On behalf of the Congress of the United States of America, I am proud 
to extend our highest praise to Mr. Dana Johnson as a master teacher. 
We thank him for his continuing dedication to teaching and his 
willingness and ability to challenge and inspire students for 
leadership and success.

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