[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING MS. KELLY SMITH AS MILKEN NATIONAL EDUCATOR AWARD RECIPIENT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2006

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise 
today to recognize the outstanding achievements of an educator in 
Baltimore County. Ms. Kelly Smith, chair of the English Department at 
Dulaney High School in Timonium, MD, is the recipient of the 
prestigious 2005-06 Milken Educator Award.
  The Milken National Educator Award was established by Lowell and 
Michael Milken. They created the award to celebrate and reward people 
in the education system showing exemplary work.
  This award, acknowledged in Teacher Magazine as the ``Oscars of 
Teaching'' was designed to recognize people in the education system who 
have exceptional talent. Recipients play an instrumental role in 
developing new and inventive programs of study. These educators help to 
develop not just the curriculum, but also the students' confidence and 
self worth.
  Dulaney's Kelly Smith has made great strides in the school's English 
Department. Her tremendous contributions have aided in the school's 
academic success. She developed ``One Book, One Dulaney,'' a book club, 
in which students, teachers and parents participate. Throughout the 
year the club chooses a book to read and later discusses it, opening 
the lines of communication on all levels.
  Ms. Smith also developed and co-chaired Students Organized for 
Academic Success. SOAR gives assistance to challenged students showing 
potential for scholastic achievement. She holds study sessions on 
Saturdays to prepare aspiring college students for the college entrance 
exam, the SATs.
  Under Ms. Smith's leadership, test scores have greatly increased. She 
implements critical reading, thinking and vocabulary in her classroom. 
She also incorporates a ``Readers' Theatre Project'' giving students an 
opportunity to learn about literature through performance, writing and 
acting. This creates a new dimension of learning for students. They 
become a part of the process, which is both fun and educational.
  I believe education is the key to success. Today's youth are the 
future of this country. People like Ms. Smith are shaping the leaders 
of tomorrow. I applaud all of those who devote their lives to the 
betterment of the education system.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to commend Ms. Kelly 
Smith for winning the 2005-06 Milken Educator Award. She is truly an 
inspiration.

                          ____________________