[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 119 (Monday, July 27, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S5927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATING CARRIE HAIR AND JAN HRINDO

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Carrie 
Hair and Jan Hrindo on receiving the Presidential Awards for Excellence 
in Mathematics and Science Teaching. These awards are truly 
prestigious, attained by only the most influential educators across the 
country. The Silver State is fortunate to have both of these successful 
teachers working at local schools.
  The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science 
Teaching are considered the Nation's highest honor for kindergarten 
through high school mathematics and science educators. These teachers 
stand as role models to their colleagues and are dedicated to the 
success of Nevada's future generations, particularly in encouraging 
students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math. The 
first teachers to receive these awards were selected in 1983, with 108 
recognized annually. These educators go above and beyond in their local 
schools to implement unique, high-quality curriculum to help students 
excel in their learning. I am thankful to both Ms. Hair and Mrs. Hrindo 
for their invaluable educational contributions.
  Mrs. Hrindo has been very influential in the lives of students, 
teaching for a total of 20 years. She has spent the last 15 years at 
Incline Elementary and Incline Middle School, teaching a variety of 
different science classes. She also taught at Sierra Nevada College for 
several years, serving as a mentor to preservice teachers. Mrs. Hrindo 
currently teaches sixth grade earth science, seventh grade life 
science, and eighth grade Spanish. Her vast range of knowledge is truly 
inspirational. She is most recognized for her hands-on labs and 
activities that provide students with a unique learning experience and 
for incorporating science into her students' lives outside the walls of 
the classroom. She has also administrated community science events and 
science fair workshops. Mrs. Hrindo's work is truly commendable.
  Ms. Hair has been a mathematics teacher for 15 years. Her past 4 
years have been spent teaching seventh and eighth grade students in 
Reno at Darrell C. Swope Middle School, a highly successful magnet 
school. Ms. Hair was a key contributor in developing the curriculum 
incorporated at several middle magnet schools in Washoe County School 
District, which aims to enrich student knowledge at an accelerated 
pace. Ms. Hair is also an active member in the Nevada Math Council and 
the Northern Nevada Math Council and presents workshops at regional 
conferences. Her work is greatly appreciated.
  As a father of four children who attended Nevada's public schools, 
and as the husband of a life-long teacher, I understand the important 
role that teachers play in enriching the lives of Nevada's students. 
Ensuring that America's youth are prepared to compete in the 21st 
century is critical for the future of our country. The State of Nevada 
is fortunate to be home to educators like Ms. Hair and Mrs. Hrindo.
  I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in thanking Ms. Hair 
and Mrs. Hrindo for their dedication to enriching the lives of Nevada's 
students and in congratulating them on receiving this incredible award. 
I wish them well in all of their future endeavors and in creating 
success for all students who enter their classrooms.

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