[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10669-S10670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               A DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE IDAHO EDUCATOR

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I honor a dedicated and 
passionate teacher in my home State of Idaho. In the late summer of 
1963 J. Kent Marlor first stepped onto the campus of Ricks College in 
Rexburg, ID, as a brand new 26-year-old teacher. During that first 
year, he taught economic history and political science and took the 
role of debate coach. When asked of his years at Ricks, he said, ``I 
don't know how I did it the first year I came here . . . I've had 
chances to go to a number of different places over the years, but have 
always wanted to stay here [because] I love Idaho. I love the wildlife 
and the smallness of the school . . . You know all the students [and] 
the faculty [and] the spirit that has always been here is a great thing 
for me.'' On August 24, 2006, he retired after 43 years teaching 
thousands of students in the political science department. He retired 
as the longest serving instructor in the 118-year history of the 
institution.
  Kent is a man well loved by those with whom he has come in contact. 
He has touched the lives of many of his students and has been able to 
help them gain confidence and direction in their fields of study. He is 
a mentor to many and will be missed by faculty and students alike at 
Ricks College, which became Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2000.
  During an interview with the Rexburg Standard Journal, Marlor said, 
``Success of a teacher is really measured in the success of his 
students.'' The newspaper reported that Marlor's students are now 
judges, doctors, attorneys, legislators and editors.

[[Page S10670]]

  I have had firsthand experience with the fruits of Kent Marlor's 
educational efforts. Over the years, at least 10 of my Senate interns 
have been his students as well as several current and former members of 
my staff. When talking about his former students, Marlor said, ``My 
reward for being a teacher comes when I see what my students have 
accomplished.''
  Before his long and distinguished teaching career, Marlor served his 
count in Naval Intelligence and at the National Security Agency. He has 
also served as president of the Idaho Wildlife Federation and the 
chairman of the Idaho Fish and Game Advisory Committee. At his side in 
many of these meetings was his wife of over 50 years, Sharon. Together 
they raised six children who have also been very active in education 
and in their communities.
  Even though he has served in our Nation's Armed Forces, intelligence 
service, and in various community organizations, his most gratifying 
service has come with the Teton Peaks Council of the Boy Scouts of 
America. Over the years, Kent and Sharon earned their spot in the Boy 
Scout Hall of Fame by organizing countless campouts, merit badge camps, 
Eagle Scout projects and Courts of Honor. In recognition of his 
efforts, Kent was honored with the Silver Beaver Award in 1982. Sharon 
was honored with the same award in 1989.
  Kent loves the outdoors. His love of fishing is legendary in the 
Upper Snake River Valley. There isn't a lake, reservoir, river, stream, 
creek, ditch, or puddle that hasn't been explored with his beloved rod 
and reel at least once in the last 40 years. It is my understanding 
that Scout troops who go on extended camping trips with Kent don't take 
much food with them. Wherever they go, Kent is sure to provide plenty 
of fresh trout for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kent taught his Scouts 
to appreciate the beauty around them as well as how to conserve it for 
future generations.
  I wish Kent and Sharon Marlor many happy years in retirement and 
thank them both for the contribution to education and the youth of 
Idaho.

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