[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO JODY OWENS OF BATTLE CREEK, 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 Battle Creek, Michigan 
that most influenced and motivated exceptional students in academics 
and leadership that were winners of the LeGrand Smith scholarship.
  Mrs. Jody Owens teaches English at Athens High School in Athens, 
Michigan. She is credited for instilling in students an enthusiasm for 
the subject and for life itself. In one student's own words, ``Mrs. 
Owens works to bring out the best in everyone. She also has the kindest 
heart I have ever known.'' The respect and gratitude of her students 
speaks well of Mrs. Owen's ability to challenge young minds to stretch 
the mental muscles and strive to achieve the best that is in them.
  Mrs. Owen'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 Jody Owen'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 Mrs. Jody Owens 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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