[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 89 (Thursday, June 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1236]
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 KATHY RIZOR OF BATTLE CREEK, 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 Battle Creek, 
Michigan that significantly influenced and motivated exceptional 
students in academics and leadership who were winners of the LeGrand 
Smith Scholarship.
  Kathy Rizor teaches Advanced Biology at Harper Creek High School in 
Battle Creek. She is credited with instilling in students an enthusiasm 
for not only these subjects, but also for life. As one of her students, 
Renee Burdick said, ``She encouraged me to excel in all aspects of my 
life ranging from academics to extracurricular activities. Not only did 
she facilitate the position of a great educator for me, but she served 
as a strong leader for my other classmates, Harper Creek and the 
greater Battle Creek community.'' The respect and gratitude of her 
students speak well of Kathy's ability to challenge young minds and 
encourage them to always put forth their best effort.
  Kathy Rizor's 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 Kathy'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 Kathy Rizor. We thank her for her 
continuing dedication to teaching and her willingness and ability to 
challenge and inspire students to strive for success.