[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    COMMENDATION OF MR. DONALD PATA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HANSEN CLARKE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2012

  Mr. CLARKE of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Donald Pata, a physics teacher at Grosse Pointe North High School 
(Grosse Pointe North), for receiving the 2011 Presidential Award for 
Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
  The PAEMST is awarded annually to outstanding K-12 science and 
mathematics teachers across America. After an initial state-level 
selection process, the PAEMST winners are chosen by a panel of 
distinguished scientists, mathematicians, and educators. Mr. Pata, the 
only teacher to receive the PAEMST from Michigan this year, is a Grosse 
Pointe native. He graduated from Wayne State University with a 
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and later returned to get a teaching 
certificate and Masters Degree in Physics Education.
  Shortly after earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Pata joined the 
Peace Corps and taught biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics in 
Ghana. Mr. Pata later returned to Grosse Pointe and began teaching a 
wide range of physics classes at Grosse Pointe North, including 
conceptual physics and AP Physics. He also serves as the Science 
Department Chairperson and is the faculty advisor for the school 
district's FIRST Robotics Team.
  Mr. Pata appreciates the value of effective teaching. Mr. Pata 
creates a positive ``hands-on'' classroom atmosphere where students 
feel free to contribute to discussion and construct their own 
knowledge. He leads by example and empowers his students to achieve 
their highest potential. Mr. Pata seeks out opportunities to develop 
his knowledge of teaching methodology and physics, and travels across 
the United States attending advanced physics teaching workshops and 
classes.
  As a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Science, 
Space, and Technology, I know how important it is to have dedicated, 
innovative, and engaged science teachers working in our schools. Mr. 
Pata is teaching our children to think creatively, be open to new 
ideas, and embrace scientific and technological change.
  I recognize Mr. Pata as a leader in science education in Metro 
Detroit and thank him for his commitment to his students and community.

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