[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MICHAEL DAVID VARNER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2013

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
life and service of Northwest Florida's beloved Michael David Varner, 
who passed away on February 6, 2013. During his long and distinguished 
career in education, Mr. Varner served as a mentor and an inspiration 
to countless individuals throughout Northwest Florida. After an arduous 
battle with brain cancer, the loss of a great man and unparalleled 
public servant and educator is felt not only here at home, but across 
the state of Florida.
   Mr. Varner was born on October 8, 1953, in Highland Falls, New York. 
Upon graduating in 1971 from Niceville High School in Northwest 
Florida, Mr. Varner attended Okaloosa-Walton Community College, as well 
as, the University of South Florida. He continued his education at the 
University of West Florida, where he earned a Bachelors of Science and 
Masters of Science in Teaching.
   Mr. Varner's passion for educating led him to Tate High School, 
where he taught biology for 35 years. He also served as an adjunct 
professor at Pensacola State College for ten years. During his years as 
an educator, his commitment was always to the students and helping them 
reach their goals, both in and out of the classroom. Mr. Varner coached 
soccer, sponsored Student Government and Exchange Club, and served as 
sponsor to both the sophomore and senior classes for students at Tate 
High School.
   Mr. Varner has been widely recognized and honored for his years of 
teaching and service to the community with ``Who's Who Among 
Teachers,'' Florida Biology Teacher of the Year, and most recently with 
the Escambia County Teacher of the Year award in 2011. While the list 
of Mr. Varner's achievements extends far beyond what is noted here, 
they all highlight his unwavering devotion to improving the lives of 
those around him and to bettering his community through service.
   In addition to his devotion to his students, Mr. Varner was a man of 
faith and committed to his parish. For nearly 20 years, he assisted 
Youth Ministry with planning, organizing, and assisting in many 
diocesan youth events. He was also a talented musician, who used his 
gift of music to write and play songs for church services and school 
functions.
   Northwest Florida, Escambia County, Florida, and the many students 
whose lives were touched by Mr. Varner, mourn the loss of an 
exceptional man. His contributions and service to the community and 
this great nation will forever be remembered.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to honor the exemplary life of Michael David Varner. My wife 
Vicki and I offer our prayers to his wife Kathleen, his sons Jason and 
Brian, his parents Richard and Madeleine, his siblings Valarie and 
Richard, and Mr. Varner's entire family and friends. He will be truly 
missed by all.

                          ____________________