[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                          HONORING ALYSON MIKE

 Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today with great pride to 
honor Montana's 2004 Teacher of the Year Award winner, Alyson Mike. 
Alyson overcame a lengthy list of quality teachers in Montana to secure 
this award. It is an honor to recognize her outstanding contribution to 
Montana.
  Alyson represents the type of teacher Montana has come to expect from 
its teaching community. She is an educator who meets the highest 
standards of professional excellence. Alyson is a student's teacher. 
She delivers to each and every one of her students without expectation 
of reward.
  Alyson teaches middle school science at East Valley Middle School in 
Helena, MT, my home town. Sadly, like so many other rural communities, 
Helena has struggled economically in recent years. In this community, 
bake sales, garage sales, and silent auctions have become the norm, 
simply to raise funds for the school. But this has not stopped Alyson 
and members of the community from making sure the students receive what 
they need to succeed.
  Like so many Montana teachers, Alyson takes a hands-on approach to 
ensure her students have access to a variety of materials and 
equipment. In Alyson's mind, there are no limits to what her students 
can accomplish.
  Alyson earned her National Board Certification and has become a State 
leader in Montana's professional development. She is a leader to her 
students and encourages other teachers to make a difference in 
student's lives. Alyson's extensive background and knowledge in 
science, proven teaching strategies, and great sense of humor make her 
a Montana treasure.
  We in Montana are very fortunate to be able to claim a teacher like 
Alyson Mike as our very own. She is a fabulous representative of the 
very best of public education in Montana and across our Nation.

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