[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E921-E922]
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

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2009

  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 2008-2009 
school year. These individuals are: Robert Backe, Elizabeth Eaton, 
Wendy Magley, John McCarthy, Nancy McClatchey, Tom Reed, and Donna 
Scheidt. 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 Tuesday, May 5, 2009.
  Robert Backe, an eighth grade science teacher at Grimmer Middle 
School, has been in the teaching profession for more than 38 years with 
the Lake Central School Corporation. Throughout his tenure, Bob has 
always made a point of bringing fun and enjoyable learning into his 
labs in order to make sure his students remain interested and actively 
involved in science. In just one of many examples of his innovative 
lessons, Bob, an avid Chicago White Sox fan, organized a trip to a game 
as a means of showing his students how even a baseball game can be 
integrated into their studies.
  Elizabeth Eaton, from the Hanover Community School Corporation, has 
been a role model and a true inspiration to not only her students but 
to adults in her community as well. For the past 38 years, Elizabeth 
has motivated her students to excel inside and outside her classroom. 
Known for her expertise in gardening, Elizabeth's efforts have led to 
the creation of an outdoor lab at Lincoln Elementary School. For the 
past 11 years, she, with the assistance of many of her students, has 
worked tirelessly to preserve this remarkable example of nature's 
beauty. For her efforts, Elizabeth Eaton has been named the ``Lake 
County Conservation Teacher of the Year,'' and her lab has been 
recognized for being the first of its kind in Lake County.
  This year's recipient of the Crystal Bell Award from the Tri-Creek 
School Corporation is Wendy Magley. Wendy, of Lowell Senior High 
School, has been in the teaching profession for the past 28 years. The 
passion Wendy has for teaching and for her students goes far beyond the 
classroom. In addition to the grueling task of preparing for six 
English classes, Wendy also coaches basketball, where she instills in 
her players the same principles of hard work and dedication that she 
expects of her students. One other example of the immense impact she 
has had on her school and her students, Wendy spearheaded the creation 
of the Lowell High School Shakespeare Festival, which has been a 
memorable experience for hundreds of high school students.
  Currently an elementary school teacher at Ernest R. Elliott 
Elementary School, John McCarthy is this year's recipient from the 
School Town of Munster. A truly selfless educator, John has made a 
point of preparing children to not only become better students but to 
become better people as well. John's desire to accomplish this goal is 
witnessed through his dedication to the Camp Tecumseh program. As 
participants in this program, Elliott Elementary's fifth graders 
partake in activities that promote team-building, positive values, and 
personal growth. In addition to his personal involvement with the 
students, John has also served on numerous committees with the School 
Town of Munster that aim to improve the quality of life and education 
for the students.
  Nancy McClatchey, this year's recipient from the North Newton School 
Corporation, has had an outstanding teaching career, marked by 
innovative programs that allow her students the opportunity to 
experience real-world settings as part of their curriculum. Over the 
past 19 years, the Family and Consumer Science teacher at North Newton 
High School has developed a program that is recognized statewide. An 
educator whose responsibilities seem endless, Nancy's efforts have led 
to the creation of the ProStart Culinary Arts Program, which aims to 
make students better prepared for careers in the food service industry, 
and the Advanced Child Development and Cadet Teaching programs, which 
allow aspiring future educators the opportunity to gain critical 
experience in a classroom setting.
  This year's recipient of the Crystal Bell Award from the Crown Point 
School Corporation is Thomas J. Reed. Tom has been nurturing young 
minds and sharing his passion for music for the past 22 years. Known 
for his enthusiasm and willingness to put in extra time to work 
individually with his students, Tom has also had an immense impact on 
younger educators. Tom has shown true commitment to his students and 
his community through donating his time and efforts to programs such as 
the local 4H and the Lake County Fair. He has also made his mark on his 
community through his musical abilities, where he can often be found 
performing at weddings, at church, and within the community.

[[Page E922]]

  Donna Scheidt, this year's recipient from the School Town of 
Highland, is known for her ability to engage her students in a way few 
other teachers can. For the past 13 years, Donna, an eighth grade 
language arts teacher at Highland Middle School, has constantly devised 
new ways to bring classic literature into her classroom. It is not 
uncommon to witness Donna as a character from a classic story to help 
bring the author's words to life. Donna's ability to reach others is 
not limited to her students. She has also taken a lead in developing 
staff and the school's curriculum. In fact, many of her colleagues 
would tell you they have grown from her guidance just as her students 
have.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me 
in commending these outstanding educators on their receipt of the 2009 
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.

                          ____________________