[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 35 (Wednesday, March 9, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING MR. LANE TOKITA FOR HIS COMMITMENT TO THE CLOSE UP 
                   WASHINGTON CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 9, 2011

  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Lane 
Tokita, an outstanding A.P. History teacher at Kauai High School in my 
district. Mr. Tokita is in Washington this week with his high school 
students for the Close Up Washington Civic Education Program. The Close 
Up Foundation is presenting him with an award for his dedication to the 
program over many years.
  Mr. Tokita's students report that his history class is tough but 
fair. He instills his students with the philosophy that ``Quitting is 
not an option!'' I experienced first-hand Mr. Tokita's effectiveness as 
a teacher when I visited his class. The students impressed me with 
their enthusiasm and lively participation.
  Mr. Tokita is a strong supporter of this program to give students a 
first-hand experience with democracy in our Nation's capital. Using the 
Close Up curriculum--tied to state history standards--Mr. Tokita helps 
his students understand how our democracy works, and inspires them to 
become more active in their school and community.
  Over 95 percent of the program's 500,000 participants have reported 
that the program helped them better understand their roles as citizens.
  I salute Mr. Tokita for his dedication to providing a well-rounded 
civic education for his students. I have requested to have a flag flown 
over the U.S. Capitol in his honor.
  Congratulations to Mr. Tokita and the many students he has helped 
influence over the years.

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