[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 114 (Monday, July 9, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4840-S4841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JASON SEAMAN

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, today, I rise to recognize and honor the 
extraordinary courage of Noblesville West Middle School teacher Jason 
Seaman. Jason's actions on May 25 to protect his classroom of students 
during a shooting at the school in Noblesville, IN, exemplified his 
selflessness, dedication to his job, and the deep commitment he has to 
his students, the school, and the entire community.
  Jason graduated in 2007 from Mahomet-Seymour High School in Mahomet, 
IL, where he was a star athlete. He went on to play college football at 
Southern Illinois University and earned a degree in elementary 
education. Prior to teaching at Noblesville West, Jason was an 
instructional assistant at Harrison Parkway Elementary School in 
Fishers, IN. In 2014, he was hired at Noblesville West, where he 
currently teaches science to seventh graders and coaches football and 
track. Jason is described by his fellow teachers as a devoted 
colleague.
  On the morning of Friday, May 25, just after 9 A.M., an armed student 
entered Jason's classroom and opened

[[Page S4841]]

fire. Jason intervened, distracting the assailant with a basketball and 
tackling him. In the process, Jason was injured. According to news 
reports, he was shot three times: in the abdomen, hip, and forearm. 
Jason underwent surgery and was released a day later from the hospital. 
In the aftermath of the shooting, instead of seeking attention, Jason 
focused on others; he thanked first responders for their actions, his 
students for their support, and turned his attention to the other 
victim, encouraging others to help the family of student Ella Whistler, 
who was critically injured, by donating to help cover her medical 
expenses. In addressing the shooting, Jason revealed a lot about his 
character in the way he talked about it. In brief public remarks, he 
said, in part, ``I want to make it clear that my actions on that day in 
my mind were the only acceptable actions I could have done given the 
circumstances. I deeply care for our students and their well-being. 
That is why I did what I did that day.''
  Because of Jason's heroic actions, witnesses say that more students 
were not hurt, and he helped to save an unknown number of students' 
lives. Jason's courage and commitment to his students represent the 
very best of Hoosier values.
  Jason set an example for others and has been rightfully recognized as 
the hero he truly is. Let us strive to emulate the example this man has 
set for us and honor his dedication to his students and community. On 
behalf of Hoosiers, we all owe an enormous debt of gratitude to this 
exceptional man.

                          ____________________