[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 71 (Thursday, May 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E798]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CRYSTAL BELL AWARD RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend 
seven exceptional teachers from Northwest Indiana who have been 
recognized as outstanding educators by their peers for the 2007-2008 
school year. These individuals are: Sheri L. Doffin, Tracy Kohler, 
Kathleen R. Krum, Karen A. Semancik, Nancy J. Smith, Thomas R. Sufana, 
and Vicki Weber. For their outstanding efforts, these honorees will be 
presented with the Crystal Bell Award at a reception sponsored by the 
Indiana State Teachers Association. This prestigious event will take 
place at the Andorra Restaurant and Banquets in Schererville, Indiana, 
on Wednesday, May 7, 2008.
  Sheri Doffin, a first grade teacher at Lake Village Elementary 
School, has been in the teaching profession for an astonishing 31 
years, 30 of which have been with the North Newton School Corporation. 
Throughout her tenure, Sheri has always made a point of bringing 
innovative ideas to her classroom to make sure her students remain 
interested and actively involved in their studies. Involved in many 
committees and programs at Lake Village, including the PTO and PL221 
team, which is geared toward the improvement of the school, Sheri's 
dedication is matched only by her constant concern for her students.
  Tracy Kohler, from the Crown Point School Corporation, has been a 
role model and a true inspiration to her students since arriving in 
Northwest Indiana in 2004. Currently an eighth grade honors algebra and 
pre-algebra teacher at Colonel John Wheeler Middle School, Tracy is 
well known for her creativity in the classroom, regularly bringing 
real-life situations into her lessons. Also recognized for her skills 
with teaching struggling learners, Tracy was selected to teach a pilot 
program aimed at improving math scores on the ISTEP exam. Tracy has 
also shown her unwavering commitment to her students through her 
service as the sponsor of the Academic Bowl Team and as a volunteer at 
athletic and after-school events.
  Kathleen Krum, this year's recipient from the Hanover Community 
School Corporation, has been a teacher for an astounding 38 years. A 
fourth and fifth grade teacher at Hanover, Kathy has received many 
awards and honors throughout her lifetime of service. Involved in 
numerous extracurricular activities and special programs with her 
fourth graders, Kathy has always taught with the goal of making 
learning fun. With this goal in mind, one of Kathy's greatest sources 
of pride was the construction of an outdoor learning lab at Lincoln 
Elementary School, which has helped many young students gain first-hand 
experience with nature.
  Karen Semancik, this year's recipient from the Lake Central School 
Corporation, has had an outstanding teaching career, which has spanned 
29 years. Karen is currently a fifth grade social studies teacher at 
Clark Middle School, where she is widely known for the unique and 
interesting activities she brings to her classroom. One example of such 
an activity is that she provided her students with the opportunity to 
contact the International Space Station. Additionally, Karen's peers 
and students have always been impressed with her patience and her 
ability to adapt her lessons to the individual needs of her students.
  This year's recipient of the Crystal Bell Award from the School Town 
of Munster is Nancy Smith. Nancy, of Wilbur Wright Middle School, has 
been a seventh grade language arts teacher in Munster for the past 35 
years. The passion Nancy has for teaching and for her students goes far 
beyond the classroom. Through her efforts on the Broad Based Planning 
Committee, the language arts gifted and talented program has made great 
strides, allowing these exceptional students the opportunity to enhance 
their student careers. Furthermore, Nancy has been a true role model to 
teachers new to the classroom, allowing them to learn from her vast 
experience and to share her passion for educating young people.
  This year's recipient of the Crystal Bell Award from the Tri-Creek 
School Corporation is Thomas R. Sufana. Tom has been nurturing young 
minds for an astonishing 32 years and currently serves as the art 
teacher at Lowell Senior High School. In addition, Tom has served as 
the Assistant Drama Director for the past 14 years. Throughout his 
illustrious career, Tom has not only received recognition as a great 
teacher, but his work has been seen in many public events, both locally 
and nationally. Because of his love for art, Tom is responsible for 
bringing many beautiful pieces to Northwest Indiana, many of which are 
proudly displayed in the halls of Lowell High School today.
  Vicki Weber, this year's recipient from the School Town of Highland, 
is known for her ability to challenge her students in a way few other 
teachers can. Vicki, currently a third grade teacher at Warren 
Elementary School, also serves in many other capacities, including: 
Spellbowl coach, intramural volleyball coach, mentor, mentor faculty 
facilitator, and as a member of the building school improvement plan 
steering committee. A testament to Vicki's ability to connect with her 
students, she has coached two Spellbowl teams that have advanced to 
higher level competitions.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me 
in commending these outstanding educators on their receipt of the 2008 
Crystal Bell Award. Their years of hard work have played a major role 
in shaping the minds and futures of Northwest Indiana's young people, 
and each recipient is truly an inspiration to us all.

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