[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 118 (Monday, July 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SAMANTHA MELVIN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JOHN ABNEY CULBERSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2007

  Mr. CULBERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. 
Samantha Melvin, a teacher at Hunters Creek Elementary School in the 
Seventh Congressional District of Houston, Texas, who has received a 
2006-07 Outstanding Teaching Award from Humanities Texas, the state 
affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Humanities 
Texas issues these awards annually to Texas teachers to recognize 
exemplary contributions in teaching, curriculum development and 
extracurricular programming.
  Ms. Melvin's art curriculum sparks students' imaginations while also 
reinforcing lessons learned in other subject areas. In one of her major 
assignments, students develop elaborate, three-dimensional cityscapes 
that draw upon their training in art, social studies, math and science.
  Stefanie Roach, Principal at Hunters Creek Elementary says of Ms. 
Melvin: ``She is an outstanding educator whose passion for art and 
empowering children are evident in the lessons she creates and 
presents. She challenges children to see the `big picture' in life and 
to use art as the means in which they can influence the world. She is a 
shining star to the profession. Energetic, committed, brilliant.''
  Karen Yates, Assistant Principal at Hunters Creek Elementary says, 
``Samantha Melvin is a passionate educator, always looking for ways to 
promote the interest of learning in her students. Because of her 
nurturing personality and art instruction, the young artists at Hunters 
Creek Elementary take risks and use their own creativity to produce a 
variety of pieces.''
  Teresa Henshaw, language arts school improvement specialist at 
Hunters Creek Elementary says, ``She not only lives a `Renaissance' 
life, but inspires it in others. Samantha Melvin encourages children to 
see the world as a whole, that everything is connected to everything 
else.''
  Humanities Texas Executive Director Michael L. Gillette says, ``We 
are pleased to recognize such an accomplished teacher. Ms. Melvin 
instills the joy of learning in her students and motivates them to 
achieve at high levels.''
  Madam Speaker, again, I applaud Ms. Melvin for inspiring the children 
at Hunters Creek Elementary and congratulate her on her award.

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