[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 178 (Friday, November 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING NORWALK, IOWA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2007

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the excellence 
of the education system in Norwalk, Iowa and to specifically 
congratulate two outstanding teachers from the area who recently 
received awards in recognition of their important contributions.
  Andy Mogie, the Norwalk High School family and consumer sciences 
teacher, was named Iowa Teacher of the Year by the Iowa Department of 
Education. He is one of the few male teachers in Iowa who teach family 
and consumer sciences, and has been doing so for 8 years. Norwalk High 
School Principal Dale Barnhill nominated Andy for his success in 
building the family and consumer science program into one of the 
highest enrolled curriculums in the school. Andy has incorporated the 
program of study in his classroom into his students' daily lives and 
motivates them by raising their expectations to the same professional 
expectations he has set for himself.
  Jodie Irlmeier, the Norwalk seventh- and eighth-grade computer 
teacher, was awarded the Iowa Technology Educator of the Year award by 
the Iowa Technology and Education Connection. Jodie is currently in her 
eighth year teaching in Warren County. She is known as an exceptionally 
conscientious and caring teacher, as evidenced by her crediting her co-
workers for her achievement. Jodie's team oriented mentality has 
produced optimum results for herself, her co-workers and most 
importantly, her students. Jodie's colleague, Sandi Lathrum recommended 
her for the award after seeing her develop a solid curriculum that has 
engaged her middle school students.
  I consider it a great honor to represent Andy Mogie, Jodie Irlmeier 
and all of the teachers and staff of the Norwalk Community School 
System in the United States Congress. I wish Andy and Jodie the best 
and look forward to hearing more great stories about the positive 
impact they have as role models and educators for the children they 
serve.

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