[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1126-E1127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING RICHARD R. NIEMANN OF NAPA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2008

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Richard R. Niemann on the occasion of his retirement from the Napa 
Valley Unified School District after 39 years of teaching. Richard will 
be truly missed by his friends, colleagues and most of all, his 
students.
  Mr. Niemann received his B.A. in History and Business Administration 
from Fresno State University and went on to graduate studies in 
International Relations at the University of the Americas in Mexico 
City in 1969. His love for learning led him to get his teaching 
credential from Fresno State University in Standard Secondary-History, 
Economics, Political Science, and Business. In 1976, Mr. Niemann 
received a Life Administrative Credential in Education and his M.A. in 
History from Sonoma State University in 1981.
  Mr. Niemann has devoted his life to the education of others and has 
greatly influenced many of the students and faculty members he has 
worked with. He is not only a phenomenal educator, but a sterling role 
model for the

[[Page E1127]]

community. Among many other achievements and activities, Mr. Niemann 
was co-chair of the NVUSD Educational Plan Committee for the new 
American Canyon High School from 2005-2006. He also coordinated 
National History Day for Napa County Schools, with more than 2,000 
students participating annually from 2000-2004. Mr. Niemann has reached 
out to get others involved, serving as a delegation leader for the 
``People to People'' Student Ambassador Program. The program attracted 
participants from Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, and 
Australia. He has been a mentor teacher, track coach, and has always 
made himself available after hours to work with parent volunteers.
  Mr. Niemann strives to not just teach history, but to experience it. 
He has traveled to 49 countries on six continents. He has consulted 
with educators and observed schools in Mexico, Fiji, Russia, Germany, 
Japan, Central America, South Africa, India, Kenya, Thailand, Costa 
Rica, and Nicaragua.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize 
Richard R. Niemann for his many years of service to the Napa Valley, 
and to thank him for his contributions to the community. I join his 
wife, Marsha, his children, and our colleagues in wishing him the best 
as he enters this new phase of his life.

                          ____________________