[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 36 (Monday, March 22, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S2857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING DONNA PETERSON AND SALLY STOLL

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise here today to publicly 
honor and recognize Donna Peterson and Sally Stoll for receiving the 
2003 Presidential Award for excellence in Mathematics and Science 
teaching, the Nation's highest commendation for work in the classroom. 
Donna Peterson won the math award for sharing her innovative teaching 
approaches with the students at Belle Fourche High School. Sally Stoll 
won the science award for her knowledge and passion on the subject and 
the ability to inspire her student's at Vermillion High School.
  The National Science Foundation, NSF, administers the awards program 
for the White House. NSF is an independent Federal agency that supports 
research and education across all fields of science. Since 1983, the 
White House and NSF have sought nominations of exemplary math and 
science teachers from every State. In addition to honoring their 
achievement, the goal of the awards is to expand the definition of 
excellent science and mathematics teaching exemplified by Donna 
Peterson and Sally Stoll.
  These two teachers have provided us with excellent examples of 
quality teaching. They have a passion for their subjects and dedication 
to their students. They know how to bring out the very best in every 
student, in every kind of school. The national award-winning teachers 
overwhelmingly agree that students frequently respond best to lessons 
that relate to recognizable phenomena from their own lives, or that 
allow for hands-on learning. They have observed that an engaging 
teaching style prompts students to pose their own questions, test their 
own theories, and arrive at their own solutions, with the teacher 
serving as a facilitator and guide.
  Research indicates that nothing is so important in raising student 
achievement as a good teacher; not top notch equipment, not Internet 
access, not family income level. Those things are helpful, we know, but 
it's the teachers themselves that are the ``make or break'' link 
between students and educational success.
  United States student performance in mathematics and science has been 
lagging, and many schools are experiencing shortages of math and 
science teachers. Donna and Sally are constantly searching for 
meaningful ways to spark the learning process. In doing so, they will 
have continued to inspire their students in such a way that it will 
have enriched them for the rest of their lives. If you are lucky, 
you'll have a chance to experience at least one such teacher in your 
lifetime.
  I congratulate Donna Peterson and Sally Stoll on this tremendous 
honor. Their dedication to the teaching field in South Dakota serves as 
a model for all educators to emulate. It is with great honor that I 
share their impressive accomplishments with my colleagues.

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