[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO CHRIS IAVELLI OF BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN, EXCEPTIONAL TEACHER

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                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2003

  Mr. SMITH. 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.
  Miss Chris Iavelli teaches English at Harper Creek High School in 
Battle Creek, Michigan. She is credited for instilling in students an 
enthusiasm for the subject and for life itself. In one student's own 
words, ``Miss Iavelli has taught me to seek the deeper meaning in all 
things and has encouraged me to always follow my dreams.'' The respect 
and gratitude of her students speaks well of Miss Iavelli's ability to 
challenge young minds to stretch the mental muscles and strive to 
achieve the best that is in them.
  Chris Iavelli'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 Chris 
Iavelli's impact on her 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 Miss Chris Iavelli as a master teacher. 
We thank her for her continuing dedication to teaching and her 
willingness and ability to challenge and inspire students for 
leadership and success.

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