[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 89 (Thursday, June 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF 2004 LeGRAND SMITH OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD 
                 WINNER LORI SYKES OF BRONSON, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2004

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, education is the key to our 
Nation's future prosperity and security. The formidable responsibility 
of molding and inspiring young minds to the avenues of hope, 
opportunity and achievement partially rests in the hands of our 
teachers. Today, I would like to recognize a teacher from Bronson, 
Michigan that significantly influenced and motivated exceptional 
students in academics and leadership who were winners of the LeGrand 
Smith Scholarship.
  Lori Sykes teaches Mathematics and Science at Litchfield High School 
in Litchfield. She is credited with instilling in students an 
enthusiasm for not only these subjects, but also for life. As one of 
her students, Lindsey Teller, said, ``She taught me a strong work 
ethic, as she always expected the very best from me. I felt like she 
was a real person, not just a teacher.'' The respect and gratitude of 
her students speak well of Lori's ability to challenge young minds and 
encourage them to always put forth their best effort.
  Lori Sykes' extraordinary work as a teacher has challenged and 
inspired countless students to move beyond the teenage tendency of 
superficial study and encourage them to foster deeper thought and 
connections to the real world. Arguably, no profession is more 
important because of its daily influence upon the future leaders of our 
community and our country, and Lori's impact on her students is 
certainly worthy of recognition.
  On behalf of the Congress of the United States of America, I am proud 
to extend our highest praise to Lori Sykes. We thank her for her 
continuing dedication to teaching and her willingness and ability to 
challenge and inspire students to strive for success.

                          ____________________