[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 25 (Friday, February 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING PAMELA SIME

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 8, 2007

  Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, education is 
the foundation of a strong nation, and I strongly believe that by 
investing in education and supporting our teachers, we can maintain 
American competitiveness in an increasingly global economy.
  That is why I am honored to rise today in recognition of Ms. Pamela 
Sime, a science teacher at Unami Middle School in Chalfont, 
Pennsylvania. Today, Ms. Sime is here in Washington as one of five 
finalists nominated for the National Education Association Foundation 
Award for Teaching Excellence.
  Madam Speaker, as a teacher in the Central Bucks School District, Ms. 
Sime has inspired students for the better part of a decade, and the 
people of the Eighth Congressional District are lucky to have her. Ms. 
Sime teaches students a very modem curriculum, emphasizing ecology, 
energy, and the use of technology. She employs a hands-on, interactive 
approach to learning. Ms. Sime's students recently released their own 
science publication and after studying oil, they wrote letters to 
soldiers stationed overseas. Every year, her students look forward to 
investigating the disappearance of Skully, the classroom skeleton. In 
this exercise, students use modern forensic techniques, incorporating 
real-life applications in their study of science. I believe that great 
science teachers like Ms. Sime are a big part of why innovation 
exemplifies the American spirit.
  Were Ms. Sime's excellence limited only to the classroom, we would 
still be proud, but her activities outside of the classroom are equally 
impressive. She is involved in all aspects of students' lives, and is 
always available for extra help. This dedication to her students is one 
of the most inspiring things about Ms. Sime. In a field where our 
professionals regularly demonstrate uncommon compassion and dedication, 
the rarefied few that go beyond set a new standard of excellence. That 
is why it comes as no surprise, Madam Speaker, that Ms. Sime entered 
the contest not for her own recognition, but in order to secure a grant 
to further enrich the educational experience of her students.
  For these reasons, Madam Speaker, I am delighted to honor Ms. Sime's 
achievements. I wish her luck today regardless of the outcome of the 
competition's final decision, the people of Bucks County are proud of 
her accomplishments and grateful for her years of service.

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