[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 99 (Thursday, June 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          IN HONOR OF YO AZAMA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2012

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Yo Azama, a 
Japanese language teacher at North Salinas High School in Salinas, CA, 
who was named the 2012 National Language Teacher of the Year by the 
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The 
National Language Teacher of the Year award was created to recognize a 
foreign language teacher who exhibits excellence in language education.
  Competition for the Foreign Language Teacher of the Award is quite 
steep as nominees are first evaluated by their state language 
organization, after which each state submits its top candidate to one 
of five regional committees for additional review.
  Learning a foreign language opens minds to other worlds and has been 
scientifically proven to generate more flexibility in thinking. I was 
impressed by what Mr. Azama included in his application essay. He wrote 
``my experience as a language teacher convinces me that today's 
students are ready and more than willing to learn other languages and 
cultures, and prepare themselves to join a world that has no borders 
and offers them unlimited opportunities if they have the linguistic and 
cultural competency . . . Language connects us and as a result it binds 
us the global family that we are.''
  Mr. Speaker, this national award goes to someone who shows incredible 
passion for his profession, for his students, and for his community. I 
congratulate Mr. Azama on his much-deserved recognition as he continues 
to teach, lead, and inspire California's youth.

                          ____________________