[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 26 (Thursday, February 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING RANDELLA LINDSAY AS THE 2013 WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA SCHOOL 
                          TEACHER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. 
Randella Lindsay as the 2013 Walton County, Florida School Teacher of 
the Year. For more than 38 years, Mrs. Lindsay has served the students 
of Northwest Florida, inspiring them to strive for excellence. I am 
honored to recognize her achievements.
  Teachers are amongst our nation's most valuable public servants. They 
are responsible for mentoring our students and ensuring that our next 
generation emerges ready to lead our nation in the future. Mrs. 
Lindsay's assiduous work and unbridled enthusiasm for her profession 
exemplify the characteristics of a successful teacher. Today, Mrs. 
Lindsay approaches the challenge of teaching with the same energy and 
excitement that she has harnessed since she stepped into the classroom 
in 1973. Her enthusiasm and dedication to her students fosters an 
atmosphere of success, where individual students can pursue their 
education goals at their own pace.
  Mrs. Lindsay clearly understands the important position that teachers 
serve as role models for their students. Being a role model demands an 
incontrovertible commitment to professionalism in all aspects of life. 
Mrs. Lindsay treats her students, their parents, faculty, and staff 
with the utmost respect. She also understands the importance of 
mentoring young teachers and always seeks to help young people 
interested in pursuing a career in teaching. By sharing her years of 
wisdom and experience with all of her fellow colleagues, Mrs. Lindsay 
improves the quality of her own classroom, as well as the entire 
school.
  Throughout her career, Mrs. Lindsay has been selected to serve in 
important roles in both her school and her school district. In 1983, 
while teaching Florida History as part of her 4th grade curriculum in 
Okaloosa County, Florida, Mrs. Lindsay recognized that the state's 
Florida studies program did not include any information on Okaloosa 
County. Over the next two years, she worked with two of her colleagues 
to research the history of Okaloosa County, and they produced a work 
book to supplement the Florida History course for future students. Mrs. 
Lindsay was also chosen to serve as one of three members on a committee 
responsible for planning the opening of a new elementary school, where 
she was later selected as their Teacher of the Year.
  The importance of teachers is unquantifiable. Each and every teacher 
should be commended for their commitment to our nation's future. Mrs. 
Lindsay has proven to be among the many exceptional teachers in our 
nation. To be selected as Teacher of the Year, chosen from a large pool 
of extremely qualified applicants, is a reflection of Mrs. Lindsay's 
tremendous work ethic and steadfast dedication to the students of 
Northwest Florida.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged 
to recognize Randella Lindsay for her accomplishments and her 
continuing commitment to excellence at Mossy Head Elementary School and 
in the Walton County School District. My wife Vicki joins me in 
congratulating Mrs. Lindsay, and we wish her all the best.

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