[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 164 (Monday, November 18, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1697-E1698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION FOR MR. ART ALMQUIST: WINNER OF A 2013 
             TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM PEOPLE MAGAZINE

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                            HON. RON BARBER

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 18, 2013

  Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Art Almquist, 
theater teacher at Tucson High Magnet School, for being awarded one of 
People Magazine's 2013 Teachers of the Year awards, and the first of 
its Readers' Choice awards.
   As stated in People Magazine, ``For the past 17 years, Almquist has 
been Tucson Magnet's drama teacher. He has built a cutting-edge theater 
program rarely seen on the high school level. For Almquist, known for 
staging productions on topics such as AIDS, environmental activism and 
immigration, theater offers a way to teach his students a variety of 
skills that go beyond acting. `He's influenced thousands of students to 
find the challenge, the love, and the joy of whatever career they 
pursue,' says former student Julian Martinez.' ''
   I couldn't be prouder to have Mr. Almquist inspiring the students of 
Southern Arizona. It was the students who made this award possible, 
voting online thousands of times and encouraging others to join them to 
ensure Mr. Almquist would receive this honor.
   Teaching may be the most important skill a person can share. As 
parents, coaches, educators, neighbors, friends and community leaders, 
we all are responsible for helping children learn. And if we teach 
correctly, we give the lifelong gift of continual learning. There is no 
``finish line'' to education. Regardless of the formal process of 
elementary and higher levels of school, a great teacher endows the love 
of improvement that continues throughout our lives.
   I am proud to recognize Art Almquist of Tucson High Magnet School 
and all the people who work each day to help strengthen the education 
system in Southern Arizona. It is our duty to thank our teachers for 
their significant contributions to our community and ensuring a bright 
future for our children.
    

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