[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 1 (Thursday, January 4, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN MINKEL

 Mr. Pryor. Mr. President, it is with the greatest pleasure 
that today I honor Justin Minkel, a second grade teacher at Harvey 
Jones Elementary School in Springdale, AR, who was named a recipient of 
the 2006 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.
  Since the inception of the Milken Foundation National Educator Awards 
Program in 1985, over 2200 outstanding men and women have been named 
Milken Educators. They are honored with both public recognition and 
financial reward for their exceptional educational talent and positive 
results in the classroom.
  Justin Minkel teaches in a classroom where English is the second 
language for the majority of his students. His students have flourished 
under his instruction, with nearly a third becoming fluent in English. 
He uses hands-on experiences to show the relevance of math concepts, 
and makes subjects such as science, social studies and literature more 
meaningful by associating them with real-world experiences. He has 
shared these strategies with other professionals throughout his 
district and has also mentored student teachers from a local 
university.
  During the 2007-2008 school year, Mr. Minkel will serve as an ex-
officio member of the Arkansas State Board of Education. He will travel 
the State providing professional and technical assistance to other 
teachers.
  My home State of Arkansas is fortunate to have men and women of 
Justin Minkel's caliber who devote their lives to providing quality 
education for our children. He exemplifies the commitment and energy 
that will help to build a brighter future for the generations to come, 
and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Justin Minkel on 
receiving the 2006 Milken Family Foundation National Education Award. 
This is a well deserved honor.

                          ____________________