[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING STEVEN T. REEDER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TODD ROKITA

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2018

  Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute fellow 
Hoosier Steven T. Reeder, an extraordinary teacher and citizen. Mr. 
Reeder has taught at Monrovia High School in Morgan County, Indiana, 
for twenty-years. He was recently awarded ``History Teacher of the 
Year'' by the Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution. This honor 
is well-deserved as his passion for teaching History is unmatched.
  Colleagues, students, and members of the community have nothing but 
positive accolades when speaking about Mr. Reeder. I am told by his 
principal that students in his classes are on the edge of their seats 
each day from start to finish, and higher-level thinking is abundant. 
The classroom is filled with historical artifacts in a museum-like 
setting, but it is Mr. Reeder's ability to story-tell and cultivate 
critical thinking that makes his teaching style so special. In 
addition, he is known for hosting study groups after hours at local 
restaurants and also for lending support to students through small acts 
of kindness. It is no surprise that Mr. Reeder has been invited to the 
school's ``Top Ten Teachers Banquet'' every single year of his career 
at Monrovia High School.
  Mr. Reeder's passion for history has not been limited to his 
classroom. He has been instrumental in leading students and residents 
of the community in unearthing information and artifacts about the town 
of Monrovia and its schools. He initiated and sponsors the organization 
``Students for the School'' whose purpose is to research local history 
and make it visible in the community. As a result, artifacts 
celebrating the community's rich history in sports, agriculture, 
education, art, and the underground railroad have been displayed in 
multiple cases in the school and town library. The group was also 
responsible for establishing the town's first official Indiana 
Historical Marker celebrating the life of former-resident IU Basketball 
Coach Branch McCracken.
  Mr. Reeder uses historical opportunities to encourage a sense of 
community for citizens in Monrovia. He has worked with local 
organizations on projects that recognize and honor area veterans and 
active-duty members of America's armed forces. He recently hosted 
classes for the public about Monrovia's history, and he currently is 
working with civic leaders to establish more historical markers at 
noteworthy sites in the area. The loyalty Mr. Reeder has for his 
community and school is commendable.
  As the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, 
Elementary, & Secondary Education, I am especially honored to recognize 
Mr. Steve Reeder as one of Indiana's finest teachers. He embodies the 
true spirit of a dedicated and caring educator, and I wish him the very 
best as he continues to be a positive influence for generations to 
come.

                          ____________________