[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMMENDING TEACHERS FROM NORTHWEST INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend seven 
dedicated teachers from Northwest Indiana who have been voted 
outstanding educators by their peers for the 2003-2004 school year. 
These individuals, Yvonne Stoll, Laura Cullen, Jeremy Walker, Sandra 
Sidock, David Markley, Linda Scheffer, and Valerie Giacomin will be 
presented with the Crystal Apple Award at a reception sponsored by the 
Indiana State Teachers Association. This prestigious event will take 
place at the Andorra Restaurant and Banquets in Schererville, Indiana, 
on Tuesday, May 4, 2004.
  Yvonne Stoll, from the North Newton School Corporation, has been a 
role model, an inspiration to her students, and an outstanding 
professional for more than 30 years. Yvonne, a dedicated kindergarten 
school teacher, knows the importance of developing creative thinking 
skills in her students. In addition to Yvonne's teaching abilities, she 
has made tireless efforts to further the education of kindergarten 
students through her active participation in organizations such as: the 
Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children, the Reading 
Council, and NNEA/ISTA/NEA.
  Laura Cullen has been teaching kindergarten in the Hanover Community 
School Corporation for nearly 20 years. She is a loyal and enthusiastic 
person who has a passion to teach her kindergarten students. Laura's 
students graduate from her class with strong reading and writing skills 
which provide a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning. She is 
actively involved in the Jane Ball Literacy for Life Team, Grade Level 
Chairperson at Jane Ball Elementary, Teacher Assistance Team, Climate 
Committee, and the Public Law 221 Committee.
  Jeremy Walker is known for his ability to connect with students in a 
way few other teachers are able to duplicate. Jeremy teaches Latin in 
the Crown Point Community School Corporation and is an integral person 
in his school's Latin program. A testament to Jeremy's teaching 
abilities, his students recently won the Indiana State Sweepstakes, 
establishing his Latin club as the best in Indiana. Jeremy truly has an 
outstanding teaching ability, while his dedication to his profession 
and to his students is equally outstanding.
  Sandra Sidock has 30 years of experience in teaching and tutoring 
students in mathematics. At the Lake Central School Corporation, Sandra 
instilled in her students the skills needed to be successful at the 
next level. Although many students benefited from Sandra's knowledge, 
the students who needed extra assistance could always rely on her. 
Sandra incorporates the Legos, Cuisenaire Rods, and other techniques 
into her teaching curriculum to benefit the students who need extra 
guidance.
  David Markley has taught music for seven years at Highland High 
School. The love and passion David has for music, both personally and 
professionally, is demonstrated through the creativity and enthusiasm 
that he projects. He not only inspires his students, but also the 
teachers at Highland High School, the parishioners of Gloria Dei 
Lutheran Church, and many others in Northwest Indiana.
  Linda Scheffer has been nurturing young minds at Munster High School 
for the past 32 years. Her enthusiasm for the subject matter, as well 
as her teaching style, has withstood the test of time. Linda makes 
learning an enjoyable experience, for she blends her creative spirit 
and her willingness to experiment with new ideas and techniques to 
better foment home economic concepts in the minds of her students. 
Linda's compassion for others is exhibited by her thoughtfulness 
towards both students and teachers.
  Valerie Giacomin has been a great asset to the Tri-Creek School 
Corporation throughout her years of teaching. She is conscientious 
about having her students meet the standards expected of them. 
Valerie's strong work ethic as a teacher allows her to make an 
extraordinary effort to provide the best possible education for her 
students. Valerie is a continuous source of strength and enthusiasm for 
her students, parents, and colleagues.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in 
commending these outstanding educators on their receipt of the 2003-
2004 Crystal Apple Award. The years of hard work they have put forth in 
shaping the minds and futures of Northwest Indiana's young people is a 
true inspiration to us all.

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