[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 38 (Friday, March 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E317-E318]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING MARIA FOOTE AS THE 2013 OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA 
              EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 15, 2013

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. 
Maria Foote as the 2013 Okaloosa County Educational Support 
Professional of the Year. I am honored to recognize her achievements 
and dedication to the students and teachers of the Northwest Florida 
community.
   Since 2008, Mrs. Foote has worked as an English Language Learner 
(ELL) interpreter at Destin Elementary School. While serving the 
Okaloosa County School District, Mrs. Foote has never wavered in her 
commitment to the ELL program and her students. She works tirelessly to 
facilitate learning amongst students, teachers, and the community. In a 
school district that comprises a high ELL population, Mrs. Foote's role 
as an interpreter is extremely critical, as she translates conferences, 
documents, and provides academic support. Mrs. Foote also continuously 
accepts new challenges, and when the Okaloosa County School District 
began English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class for 
families, she was tasked as the liaison between ELL families and the 
district facilitator.

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She has accepted and carried out this role with grace and excellence.
   Out of her passion for service, Mrs. Foote's involvement extends 
beyond the classroom. She is active in fundraising activities to 
benefit the English Language Learner population, as well as readily 
answering calls for help after school hours. It is not uncommon for 
Mrs. Foote to go above and beyond for the families of Okaloosa County, 
as she places their needs before her own. The significant improvement 
and learning gains demonstrated by students working with Mrs. Foote 
truly exemplify her steadfast commitment to excellence and desire for 
her students to succeed. Instructors like Mrs. Foote leave a perpetual 
impact on their schools and community.
   Mrs. Foote's efforts and hard work have not gone unnoticed. She has 
been widely recognized and honored for her accomplishments in the 
school and community and is the recipient of several awards, including 
Service Beyond the Call of Duty awarded by Northwest Florida State 
College and Taking the Lead Organizing Projects awarded by AmeriCorps.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to recognize Maria Foote on her achievements and 
contributions to the Okaloosa County School District. She is a 
dedicated teacher, an inspiration to her students, and an honorable 
public servant. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mrs. Foote, 
and we wish her all the best for continued success.

                          ____________________