[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 54 (Thursday, April 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF STEVE FOSTER

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2005

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many 
accomplishments of Steve Foster, who teaches at Smithson Valley Middle 
School in the Comal Independent School District.
  ``In order to understand where you are going, you must first 
understand where you have been.'' This proverb teaches us a great 
lesson; we must understand the heritage and history of our nation 
before we can begin to understand ourselves. American history teachers 
help our nation's children get a better understanding of who they are 
by letting them know where they came from. Steve Foster teaches eighth-
grade American History and is a great example of a teacher who finds 
new and innovative ways to engage students in learning about their 
nation's history. By captivating students about their own history, Mr. 
Foster lets his students get a better understanding of themselves. He 
describes the environment promoted in his classroom as one where ``all 
students can learn about history while they learn to develop.'' Through 
his great commitment to his students, Mr. Foster has reached out to 
students not only as a teacher but also as a friend.
  Steve Foster received his Bachelor's degree from Texas Lutheran 
College in Seguin, Texas. He has taught at Valley Middle School for 
eight years now and has been an irreplaceable asset to the school and 
the community. It is with great honor that I recognize him for his 
commitment.

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