[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E985-E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF SYBILLE IRWIN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DOUG OSE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 1, 2004

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional teacher at 
Bella Vista High School, in Fair Oaks, California. Sybille Irwin, after 
32 years of dedicated service, has been chosen as the Fair Oaks Teacher 
of the Year.
  Sybille Irwin is a German teacher who has single-handedly managed the 
German Program at Bella Vista High School. All German classes, German 1 
through Honors German 5 are taught by Ms. Irwin. Her classes are 
rigorous and her standards are high. At the same time, she creates a 
classroom atmosphere of friendliness and fun. Over the years, her 
creativity, her organization and her passion for the language have 
resulted in many cultural events including the annual Oktoberfest 
celebration for the entire Fair Oaks community. She has organized trips 
to Germany

[[Page E986]]

for her students as well as invited German students to spend the year 
in Fair Oaks. Sybille is advisor of two clubs and opens her classroom 
and her heart to students who need help.
  Her colleagues and students consider Sybille as the ultimate 
professional educator. She is always willing to take on challenges and 
risks to help the school and her students. She is always willing to 
``wear another hat'' when needed. She has been the WASC (School 
Accreditation) Coordinator, a Department Chair, a master teacher for 
student teachers and a district Site Leader. Additionally, when 
staffing needs dictated, she has taught French and English to help the 
master school schedule. She has always encouraged collaboration with 
colleagues from all departments and is consistently on the cutting edge 
of new techniques in teaching. For example, she was responsible for the 
initial introduction of portfolios and rubrics in the Bella Vista 
Foreign Language department before they became routine.
  I am honored to recognize an individual who has committed her life to 
the enhancement, enrichment and education of our youth. Through her 
efforts, her professional expertise and her striking and energetic 
personality, Bella Vista has managed to maintain a thriving German 
program of which we are very proud. Please join me in congratulating 
Sybille Irwin for being named the 2004 Fair Oaks Teacher of the Year.

                          ____________________