[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DR. MARK SHINAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 7, 2017

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, as a former school teacher, I am intimately 
aware of the amazing impact educators can have on young minds. At SAR 
High School in my district, one such educator, Dr. Mark Shinar, has 
been changing the lives of his students in just such a profound way.
  Abraham Joshua Heschel said that ``It is the personality of the 
teacher which is the text that pupils read; the text they will never 
forget.'' As Director of General Studies at SAR High School, Dr. Mark 
Shinar embodies this quote. He has proven to be a mentor and champion 
to his students both in and out of the classroom. He is deeply invested 
in their academic and long term personal growth which continues even 
after they leave SAR. His is the voice in their ear, the text they will 
not forget as they make key decisions in the future. Mark brings an 
infectious energy and enthusiasm to the classroom that energizes both 
students and faculty. He leads by example and listens to concerns of 
colleagues, peers and students always trying to improve the learning 
process. This is the true definition of a teacher. ``The classroom is 
air to me and the students are part of my family. It's a joy and 
remarkable privilege to teach at SAR.''
  When not changing lives in the classroom, Mark enjoys spending his 
time just being a husband and dad. He and his wife, Lauren, are parents 
to four wonderful children, Aiden, Joseph, Samuel, and Ilan. The Shinar 
family are members of YIOZ in Riverdale, and will be making aliya at 
the end of the current academic year.
  This year, SAR. is honoring Mark at the organization's 48th 
Anniversary Dinner with the Audrey Schurgin Memorial Faculty Award. 
They could not have picked a more deserving honoree. Congratulations 
again to Mark on receiving this well-deserved recognition, and thank 
you for all of your amazing work in the community.

                          ____________________