[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 137 (Monday, September 12, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S5501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DON BERNARD

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Clark 
County School District special education teacher Don Bernard on 
receiving the Heart of Education Award. This award is truly prestigious 
and attained by only the most influential educators throughout our 
State.
  The Heart of Education Award recognizes educators who have gone above 
and beyond for their students. The Smith Center for the Performing Arts 
honored 800 finalists for their exceptional service to our Nation's 
youth. Of those 800 finalists, 21 educators received special 
recognition and an outstanding commemorative Heart of Education Award 
for their dedication. Specifically, Mr. Bernard was recognized for his 
outstanding work with special education students.
  Mr. Bernard began his career as an attorney, working to assist 
juveniles who struggled within the justice system. In 1997, he moved to 
Las Vegas and continued his endeavors to aid vulnerable youth as a 
special needs teacher. For over a decade, Mr. Bernard has been a 
dedicated Clark County School District educator, and he continues to 
better the lives of special needs children in and out of the classroom. 
Southern Nevada is fortunate to have someone of such dedication working 
on behalf of Nevada's students.
  As a father of four children who attended Nevada's public schools and 
as the husband of a teacher, I understand the important role that 
educators play in enriching the lives of Nevada's youth. Mr. Bernard 
has worked tirelessly to help prepare students across southern Nevada 
to succeed in their academic endeavors, and I am grateful to have him 
serving as an ally to future generations of Nevadans.
  I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in thanking Mr. 
Bernard for his dedication to enriching the lives of Nevada's students 
and congratulating him on receiving this award. I wish him well as he 
continues creating success for all students who enter the Clark County 
School District.

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