[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 182 (Tuesday, December 15, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S8682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      CONGRATULATING MEGHAN ABLES

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to an 
outstanding Arkansas educator, Meghan Ables, who was named the 2016 
Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
  In nearly 13 years of teaching, Meghan's work in the classroom has 
made a difference in the lives of students in the Stuttgart School 
District. While she has taught a variety of subjects at Stuttgart High 
School, she currently serves as an English and journalism teacher. She 
has added reading and writing opportunities at the school by 
reestablishing its monthly magazine, The Bird Banner, and helping 
launch its studio, Ricebird Television.
  Meghan challenges her students to use their skills to improve their 
community. Her journalism class partnered with Arkansas Children's 
Hospital as well as the local police and fire departments to raise 
awareness about safe driving.
  Meghan's commitment to education also inspires those who work with 
her to do their best to encourage further development in the classroom. 
She has led professional development activities for using literacy 
techniques in the classroom, presented for the Literacy Design 
Collaborative, LDC, and provided Teacher Excellence and Support System, 
TESS, training to her colleagues.
  The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program, part of the National 
Teacher of the Year program, recognizes teachers around the State for 
their teaching excellence. This truly is a major accomplishment in 
Meghan's career and something for which she can be very proud. Her 
outstanding contributions to education, the Stuttgart School District, 
and her students proves she is well deserving of this recognition.
  I would like to offer my congratulations to Meghan Ables for her 
determination, devotion, and commitment to her students and to 
education. I am encouraged by her efforts to inspire our next 
generation of leaders and her drive to help them succeed.

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