[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 92 (Friday, June 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO DIANNE PARKISON OF UNION CITY, MICHIGAN, EXCEPTIONAL TEACHER

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                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 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 Union City, MI that most 
influenced and motivated exceptional students in academics and 
leadership that were winners of the LeGrand Smith scholarship.
  Dianne Parkison teaches history at Union City High School. She is 
credited for instilling in students an enthusiasm for the subject and 
for life itself. In one student's own words, ``Not only has Mrs. 
Parkison taught me a better respect for the struggles that have been 
endured throughout the history of the United States, she has taught me 
a lot about life.'' The respect and gratitude of her students speaks 
well of Mrs. Parkison's ability to challenge young minds to stretch the 
mental muscles and strive to achieve the best that is in them.
  Dianne Parkison's excellence in teaching challenges and inspires 
students to move beyond the teenage 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 Dianne 
Parkison'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. Dianne Parkison 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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