[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]




 HONORING MR. PETER DeCRAENE FOR RECEIVING THE 2011 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD 
           FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHING

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2012

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mr. Peter DeCraene, 
a math teacher at Evanston Township High School, for receiving the 2011 
Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching 
(PAEMST).
  The PAEMST program recognizes outstanding teachers for their 
contribution to teaching mathematics or science. Sponsored by the White 
House and administered by the National Science Foundation, PAEMST award 
recipients receive a certificate from President Obama and $10,000. The 
award only goes to the finest teachers of science and mathematics in 
the country.
  This year, President Obama recognized 97 mathematics and science 
teachers as recipients of this esteemed award. The applicants were 
chosen for their abilities to convey the concepts of math and science 
to their students, along with their work experience, educational 
background, and extracurricular activities related to the classroom. 
The PAEMST program rewards teachers for preparing and establishing a 
solid foundation of science, technology, engineering, and math in 
America's youth. Peter DeCraene has succeeded throughout his career, 
creatively teaching these disciplines to his students while helping his 
colleagues to do the same.
  Mr. DeCraene's passion and enthusiasm over the past 23 years have 
inspired hundreds of students so that they may better contribute to 
America's success. The Chicago native graduated from DePaul University 
with a B.A. in mathematics, and an M.S. in computer science, and he 
received a Certificate of Advanced Study in educational leadership from 
National Lewis University. He prefers teaching in small groups so that 
students may learn by answering one another's questions. He is 
currently the math department chair at Evanston Township High School, 
overseeing 30 teachers, along with instructing new teachers in the 
school wide induction program. The DePaul University graduate is also a 
textbook author who has presented at state and local conferences.
  Please join me in honoring my constituent, Peter DeCraene, and all 
the recipients of the 2011 Presidential Award for Excellence in 
Mathematics and Science Teaching. This is an honor worthy of special 
distinction and I look forward to seeing more great things from Mr. 
DeCraene.

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