[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 26 (Thursday, February 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DAVID SPELLICH

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2012

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge 
David Spellich upon his retirement after 14 years of service with the 
Livonia Public Schools.
  After graduating from Belleville High School in 1970, Dave attended 
Eastern Michigan University. As often happens, he left EMU to pursue 
gainful employment. In 1987, Dave returned to Henry Ford Community 
College where he continued his education, transferring to Eastern 
Michigan to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in 1990.
  Dave began his career as an educator by becoming an instructor in 
Livonia's Adult Education curriculum and went on to teach in Ferndale, 
Michigan's alternative education program. He encouraged his students, 
most of whom had a difficult path to education, to become more than 
they were. He organized a student prepared annual Thanksgiving Day 
dinner to be shared with their families and educators.
  In 1998, Dave became a Social Studies instructor at Livonia Stevenson 
High School. He took on the roles of sophomore class sponsor and Chair 
of the Social Studies Department where he launched the AP Government 
program in the Livonia Public Schools. Dave then moved to Franklin High 
School in 2008, becoming the Student Activities Director. While serving 
in this capacity, he developed the freshman orientation/mentoring 
program. Returning to teach AP Government Stevenson High School in 
2010, Mr. Spellich encouraged his students to contact elected officials 
to better understand the process of governing and legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, David Spellich has faithfully served the students of 
Livonia, Michigan. As he enters the next phase of his life with Linda, 
his beloved wife of 38 years and his son Jason, perhaps he will 
continue to avidly travel beyond the 50 states of this great Nation, 
all of which he has visited. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, 
integrity, and excellence. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating David Spellich upon his retirement and recognizing his 
years of loyal service to our community and country.

                          ____________________