[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1247]
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 MELISSA SOUVA OF BRONSON, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 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.
  Melissa Souva teaches Agricultural Science at Bronson High School in 
Bronson, Michigan. She is credited with instilling in students an 
enthusiasm for not only these subjects, but also for life. As one of 
her students, Bobby Jo Ludwick said, ``Mrs. Souva has taught me the 
importance of good leadership and community service. The self-
confidence that I've gained from her support will play a role in my 
life everyday. She has taught me that I can make a difference. I thank 
her for making a difference for me.'' The respect and gratitude of her 
students speaks well of Melissa's ability to challenge young minds and 
encourage them to always put forth their best effort.
  Melissa Souva'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 Melissa's impact on their 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 Melissa Souva. We thank her for her 
continuing dedication to teaching and her willingness and ability to 
challenge and inspire students to strive for success.

                          ____________________