[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 1, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6268-S6269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE WINNERS OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION 
                                 AWARDS

  Mr. SUNUNU. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate this year's 
winners of the New Hampshire Excellence in Education Awards. The 
``ED''ies are awarded to those individuals, schools and educational 
programs that have made significant contributions to public education 
and have met the highest standards of excellence. Educators and schools 
who are selected have demonstrated a high standard in areas such as 
curriculum and instruction, teaching and learning process, student 
achievement, leadership and decisionmaking, community and parental 
involvement, and school climate. On June 5, 2004, the leadership and 
achievement of these 33 individuals and 12 schools in New Hampshire 
will receive acknowledgment. I add my voice on behalf of the citizens I 
represent in similarly recognizing our appreciation and respect for 
these professionals who make countless sacrifices and contributions in 
our schools.
  The ``ED''ies are presented in various categories of excellence, such 
as math and science teaching, curriculum development, and environmental 
education. The specific criteria for the ``ED''ies, which is developed 
by the board of directors for the New Hampshire Excellence in Education 
Awards, has been applied to elementary, middle, and secondary schools, 
along with teachers, administrators and other education professionals 
performing at each of these levels, as well as higher education. The 
selection committees consist of some of New Hampshire's finest 
educators and community leaders who have the responsibility of applying 
these standards and evaluating the nominees. The committees make their 
selections after careful review of the nominees, school applications 
and assessments based on on-site visitations.
  The teachers recognized here have clearly had a profound impact on 
their students just as many of my own teachers had on me. The teachers 
for whom I have the fondest memories created a positive learning 
environment and necessary direction that were key elements to my growth 
as a person and as a public servant. They impressed

[[Page S6269]]

upon me the importance of one's contribution at the community level and 
the important role a sound public education plays in our society. Now, 
as a parent, I can more fully appreciate how delicate the task of 
educating can be, and understand more now than ever the vital resource 
our schools and teachers provide to the parents in the towns and cities 
of New Hampshire.
  The educators and community leaders chosen this year to receive 
``ED''ies have demonstrated superior dedication to their students, 
schools and communities. They deserve this prestigious honor for the 
important roles they play in helping our children reach their goals and 
succeed in school. The individuals and schools being commended this 
year have provided students with the tools they need to become 
productive and engaged citizens, and are our State's most treasured 
role models--setting positive examples for the children that surround 
them, teaching personal responsibility and hard work, and shaping the 
character of young minds. For these achievements, our State and our 
country owe them a great deal of gratitude.
  Since first elected to Congress in 1996, I have made improving 
education a legislative priority of mine. I am cognizant of the fact 
that the men and women on the front lines of our classrooms tackle the 
toughest of challenges and enable students to reach their full 
potential. We, in New Hampshire, enjoy an outstanding education system 
that is a true model for the country. This success is due in large 
measure to the contributions and leadership of the many educators and 
schools recognized here today.
  I ask unanimous consent that a list of the 2004 New Hampshire 
Excellence in Education Award winners be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:
     2004 New Hampshire Elementary School Representatives of 
         Excellence
     Canterbury Elementary School, Canterbury
     Gilford Elementary School, Gilford
     Elementary School Finalists: Grinnell Elementary School, 
         Derry; James Mastricola Elementary School, Merrimack; 
         Mast Way Elementary School, Lee; Tuftonboro Central 
         School, Tuftonboro
     NH Environmental Educators
     Valerie Ford and Jon Marshall, Bartlett Elementary School, 
         Elementary Level
     Esther Cowles, NH Project Learning Tree, Nonformal Division
     Scott Semmens, Hopkinton High School, Secondary Level
     NH Charitable Foundation Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical
     Sue S. Pribis, Bow Memorial School
     NH Association of World Languages
     Marie-Claire Wheeler, Con-Val High School, Peterborough
     NH Recepient--Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and 
         Science Teaching
     John G. Emerson, Conant High School, Jaffrey, Secondary Math
     NH Affiliate of the International Society for Technology in 
         Education
     The Pat Keyes Technology Educator Award: Mark MacLean, 
         Merrimack Valley High School, Penacook
     Impact Award: Gerry Ryder, Belmont Elementary School; Susan 
         Janosz, Manchester School District
     Phi Delta Kappa Education Supporter Award
     Alex Ray, Common Man Restaurants
     NH College and University Council
     John Ernest, University of New Hampshire
     NH School Administrator's Association
     Superintendent of the Year: Dr. Kenneth DeBenedictis, SAU 
         #41, Hollis-Brookline
     Outstanding Service Award: Allen Damren, SAU #6, Cornish
     NH Association of School Principals
     Marc Boyd, Maple Avenue Elementary School, Goffstown, 
         Elementary Level
     Byran Lane, Alvirne High School, Hudson, Secondary Level
     Sandra McGonagle, Gilford Elementary School, Assistant 
         Principal
     NH Educational Media Association
     Jeanette Lizotte, Bow High School
     NH Technology Education Association
     Curtis Edwards, Bow Memorial School, Technology Teacher of 
         the Year
     NH Career and Technical Administrators
     Cornelius A. Moylan, Kennett Career and Technical Center, 
         Conway
     NH Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
     Nick Hardy, Executive Director, NHASCD
     NH Schools of Excellence
     2004 New Hampshire Middle School Representative of 
         Excellence: North Hampton School, North Hampton
     Middle School Finalists: Amherst Middle School, Amherst; The 
         Whitefield School
     NH School Boards Association
     Rochester School Board, School Board of the Year
     NH Partners in Education
     Linda Meehan, School Volunteer of the Year, Sandown 
         Elementary School
     NH Art Educators Association
     Melody R. Funk, Holderness Central School, Elementary Level
     Scott P. Chatfield, Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, Secondary 
         Level
     NH School Nurses Association
     Joan Paige, Milton Elementary School
     NH Humanities Council
     Flora Sapsin, Londonderry High School
     NH Association of Teachers of English
     Elizabeth Juster, Londonderry High School
     NH Music Educators Association
     Richard J. Maynard, West High School, Manchester
     NH School Counselors Association
     Naomi Drury, Conant High School, Jaffrey
     NH Association for Gifted and Talented Education
     Elise Racicot, SAU #40, Milford
     NH Business Education Association
     Lynn Davis, Hugh Gallen Vocational Center, Littleton
     NH Association of School Psychologists
     Michel Cronin, North Country Educational Services, Gorham
     NH Department of Safety D.A.R.E. Program
     Mark Nash, Holderness Central School
     NH Schools of Excellence
     2004 New Hampshire Secondary School Representative of 
         Excellence: Belmont High School, Belmont
     Secondary School Finalist: Dover High School, Dover
     NH Teacher of the Year
     Ida Dziura, South Elementary School, Londonderry

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