[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 76 (Thursday, May 10, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO TRACI ATHANASON

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I am pleased to honor Traci 
Athanason, the Henderson County Teacher of the Year from Spring Hill 
Elementary School in Spring Hill, FL.
  Traci believes the most challenging thing about teaching is 
motivating students who have no desire to be at school. She tackles 
this challenge by providing fun, engaging lessons and being her 
student's biggest cheerleader. It has been her belief that, when a 
teacher builds trust and rapport with their students, every student can 
achieve success.
  As a teacher, Traci finds the most fulfilling aspect of her 
profession is empowering her students to take control of their own 
learning. Though teaching has its challenges, she is a firm believer in 
knowing every day is a chance for her to make a difference in the lives 
of her students.
  The principal of her school attests that Traci is a problem-solver, 
an innovator, and a dynamic mentor to multiple first-year teachers on 
her team. She helps them build their lesson plans and develop their 
practice.
  Traci is currently a fourth grade teacher at Spring Hill Elementary 
School. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education, 
along with her master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the 
University of Central Florida. She has taught for 29 years, the last 7 
in Hernando County. Her favorite subject to teach is writing.
  I thank Traci for her devotion to educating students throughout her 
district. I extend my best wishes to her and look forward to hearing of 
her continued success in the years to come.

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