[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 98 (Monday, June 20, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S4357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JOHN NIEBERGALL

 Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to honor a 
great educator in my home State. John Niebergall of Sherwood, OR, has 
been recognized as a White House ``Champion of Change.'' John's 
tremendous recognition and White House visit is well deserved. As an 
educator for more than 30 years, he has provided so many students at 
Sherwood High School with hands-on learning opportunities that prepare 
them for a 21st century career after graduation.
  On May 4, I had the opportunity to visit Sherwood High School to 
witness firsthand the remarkable projects students were turning out in 
John's Mobile Makerspace. Students enrolled in his career and technical 
education programs--otherwise known as CTE courses--showed me their 
expertise handling a laser-cutter and a 3-D printer. John's students 
also have access to a welding shop and woodworking shop, where one 
student showed me a guitar he was building. It was clear to see that 
students participating in John's classes were excited about their work 
and motivated to be creative in the workspace.
  Research has shown that students enrolled in CTE courses graduate 
from high school at a higher rate, and students enrolled in these 
courses are more likely to show up to class. After getting a tour of 
John's engineering classes and woodshop classes, it is no surprise to 
me that Sherwood High School is a high-performing school. The 
connection between good CTE programs and student success could not be 
clearer.
  I am committed to supporting programs like the ones John teaches in 
Sherwood and will continue to do all that I can to provide Federal and 
State-funded career and technical education courses at more schools in 
my home State. His model can--and should--be replicated around the 
country. That is why I was thrilled to take a ride in his ``Fab-Lab'' 
mobile trailer that was full of computers and manufacturing equipment. 
He takes this mobile trailer on the road to connect with other CTE 
teachers in Oregon. When teachers like John collaborate with other 
educators, more students benefit.
  As part of the ``Champions of Change'' program, the White House 
recognizes Americans who are making positive changes in their 
communities. There is no doubt John is doing just that. I commend John 
for teaching a diverse course load that exposes students to the many 
different types of CTE fields they could pursue after high school.
  To finish, I want to send a big thank you to everyone at Sherwood 
High School for allowing me to visit. And I want to send a big 
congratulations to John for this tremendous recognition. I look forward 
to working with him to promote Career and Technical Education programs 
in Oregon and across the country.

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