[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 94 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JOHN WILLIAM ROBROCK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2018

  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John William 
Robrock for his lifelong dedication to art education and congratulate 
him on his well-deserved retirement. Mr. Robrock began his teaching 
career in 1979 and has taught in California, South Dakota, and Wyoming. 
He has spent the last eighteen years in my district at San Benito High 
School. Throughout his career, Mr. Robrock inspired countless young 
students to explore their creative abilities and pursue their artistic 
goals.
   With his support and guidance, Mr. Robrock's students have earned 
thousands of dollars in scholarships as well as trips to Washington, 
D.C. and Japan to present their work. Since 1989, his students have 
participated in the Congressional District Art Competition, five of 
which won first place awards and displayed their artwork at the U.S. 
Capitol. This year I was honored to award first place in the 
Congressional Art Competition for Congressional District 20 to one of 
his students.
   Mr. Robrock has a great ability to inspire and motivate his students 
in their artistic endeavors. Mr. Robrock has maintained a lifelong 
commitment to artistic explorations in a wide variety of mediums. This 
is apparent in his dedication to the art of comic books, and he has 
even traveled internationally to spread the appreciation of this art 
form. Moreover, Mr. Robrock maintains a deep love of classical music 
and opera, and was even willing to stand-in last minute for the 
University of Wyoming's marching band. As a teacher, Mr. Robrock has 
coached students in performing arts who went on to win statewide 
theater competitions. He has also designed parade floats in the 
Pasadena Doo Dah Parade and banners for the San Benito Writers Group in 
the Saddle Horse Association of San Benito parade.
   Mr. Robrock has dedicated his life to the proliferation of the arts. 
His four decades of teaching countless college and high school 
students--both inside and outside my district--are a testament to his 
dedication to ensuring younger generations appreciate all art has to 
offer. His awards, both personal and those of his students, are too 
numerous to list in full. It is the tireless dedication of art 
connoisseurs and instructors like Mr. Robrock that ensure our country 
continues to rightfully treasure the arts.
   Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to add my name to the recognition of 
John Robrock's accomplishments and passion for the arts. I wish him the 
best in his retirement and future endeavors and encourage all of my 
colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating and appreciating 
Mr. Robrock's four decades of public service.

                          ____________________