[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 175 (Tuesday, October 30, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR CHRIS LAVAGNINO

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 30, 2018

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career 
achievements of Mr. Chris Lavagnino, a fourth-grade teacher at Ronald 
Reagan Elementary School in Chowchilla, California. Chris is being 
honored by the Madera County Farm Bureau with the 2018 Educator of the 
Year Award. This award is given to an educator who has guided and 
supplied their students and has devoted their time to teach about 
farming and agriculture. It is both fitting and appropriate that we 
honor Chris today for his years of service to our Valley.
  Chris, a native of San Leonardo, moved to the Central Valley at age 
8. He attended local schools in Fresno and Clovis, where his fourth-
grade teacher at Viking Elementary School, Mr. Sepetjian, inspired him 
to become a teacher himself.
  Chris attended California State University, Fresno, where he received 
a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies. He went on to obtain his 
teaching credential at National University. Chris returned to Fresno 
State and received his master's degree in Education. After completing 
his education, Chris began to live his dream of teaching and taught at 
several schools throughout Fresno Unified School District from 2000 to 
2005.
  In 2005, Chris was hired as a fourth-grade teacher at Ronald Reagan 
Elementary in Chowchilla. Since then, he has made every school year a 
``unique learning experience'' for his students. In the past three 
years, Chris began teaching his students about the importance of 
farming and agriculture. He strongly believes that agriculture is of 
vital importance to our region, therefore insists in teaching his 
students about farming and agriculture.
  This school year, Chris and his students have conducted experiments 
and planted plants at their school's onsite greenhouse, where they plot 
and track the growth of their plants. Also, last year, his students 
transplanted a variety of succulents, which were entered into the 
Chowchilla Fair and received a first-place ribbon.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing 
Mr. Chris Lavagnino for receiving the Educator of the Year Award. Chris 
has been an inspiration, not only to his students, but also through his 
community leadership. I ask that you join me in wishing Chris and his 
wife Jennifer continued success and happiness.

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