[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 144 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO KATHLEEN LYNN SCHAEFFER AND ARVELLA JERGESEN

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate 
Kathleen Lynn Schaeffer and Arvella Jergesen 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 America's future generations, particularly in encouraging 
students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math. 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. Schaeffer and Mrs. Jergesen for 
their invaluable educational contributions.
  Ms. Schaeffer has played an influential role in the lives of students 
since she started working for the Clark County School District in 1988. 
As a member of the original staff that opened Bob Miller Middle School, 
BM, in Henderson, NV, she truly made an everlasting impression on its 
faculty, staff, and student body. During her time at BM, she 
established and directed the annual Bobcat Institute to assist each 
year's sixth grade class through their transition into middle school. 
Ms. Schaeffer was recognized most for her technology-based teaching 
methods that triggered educational growth for all of her students. 
Currently, Ms. Schaeffer works for the Clark County School District and 
was recently selected to attend the Foundations of Global Education 
International Research and Exchanges, where she participated in a 
fellowship in India. Ms. Schaeffer's teaching methods have proven to be 
truly beneficial to many Clark County School District students. Ms. 
Schaeffer's work is truly commendable.
  Mrs. Jergesen has taught at Fernley Intermediate School, FIS, for 15 
years. She is the anchor of the school's sixth grade math and science 
team, chairperson of FIS's School Improvement Plan program, and coach 
of the school's Academic Olympic Team. Mrs. Jergesen is also a pivotal 
resource that brings guest speakers and educational workshops to FIS 
that foster students to participate in unique, hands-on learning 
experiences. Mrs. Jergesen is an outstanding teacher who is dedicated 
to ensuring all her students succeed. She is highly respected within 
her community and is very deserving of this award. Mrs. Jergesen's 
dedication is greatly appreciated in Fernley and throughout the rest of 
Nevada.
  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 
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 such as Ms. Schaeffer and Mrs. 
Jergesen.
  I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in thanking Ms. 
Schaeffer and Mrs. Jergesen 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.

                          ____________________