[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 152 (Friday, December 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING 2015 ILLINOIS TEACHER OF THE YEAR STEVE ELZA

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                          HON. PETER J. ROSKAM

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 11, 2014

  Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Steve Elza, 
the 2015 Illinois Teacher of the Year.
  Mr. Elza is an Applied Technology teacher at William Fremd High 
School in my district who teaches Automotive Technology classes and is 
the sponsor of the school Auto Club. He has worked in School District 
211 and Fremd High School for over 7 years and strives to create an 
educational environment where students learn real-world skills they can 
take with them after graduation.
  I think we can all agree that teachers are in a unique position to 
mold their students, and good teachers can guide and inspire students 
to achieve. Speaking to his students and peers, it is clear that Mr. 
Elza is a great teacher. Day in and day out he goes above and beyond to 
create a classroom environment where students can pursue projects they 
are passionate about, an approach that energizes his students, expands 
their skillsets, and reminds them that learning can be fun. Teaching 
students to explore their interests, and consider their career 
prospects, Mr. Elza has had an outsized impact on the success of his 
students as they go out into the workforce as young adults.
  Evidence of his unique approach isn't hard to find. Through the Auto 
Club, students participate in various extracurricular activities like 
practicing maintenance repairs on cars of faculty members and competing 
in a national automotive competition held annually in Las Vegas. By 
engaging students to enjoy and apply what they are learning, Mr. Elza 
has broken through the bustle of busy young lives to really leave a 
mark on students. It's proven to be a winning formula.
  Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues please join me in 
recognizing Mr. Steve Elza for his outstanding service and congratulate 
him on being named the 2015 Illinois Teacher of the Year.

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