[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO MR. JOHN IRELAN OF PITTSFORD, MICHIGAN, EXCEPTIONAL TEACHER

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                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 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 Pittsford, Michigan that 
most influenced and motivated exceptional students in academics and 
leadership that were winners of the LeGrand Smith scholarship.
  Mr. John Irelan teaches social studies at Pittsford High School in 
Pittsford, Michigan. He is credited for instilling in students an 
enthusiasm for the subject and for life itself. In one student's own 
words, ``Mr. Irelan is not the type of teacher to sit in the lounge 
during his free time; he is in his room or the hallway to have contact 
with the students. As my psychology, sociology, economics and 
government teacher, he always relates course material to `real-life' 
situations.'' The respect and gratitude of his students speaks well of 
Mr. Irelan's ability to challenge young minds to stretch the mental 
muscles and strive to achieve the best that is in them.
  John Irelan'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 Mr. John Irelan'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. John Irelan 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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