[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 51 (Monday, March 25, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S1934]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MELISSA PAPPAS

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Melissa Pappas, the 
Orange County teacher of the year from Brookshire Elementary School in 
Winter Park, FL.
  Melissa is a K-5 intensive autism teacher that works with children 
with severe behavioral functional and academic needs. She is motivated 
by her passion for her students and is responsible for one of only five 
intensive units districtwide, serving students with severe behavioral, 
functional, and academic needs. She believes teaching is not only a 
profession that teaches all other professions, but the one with the 
power to shape the future for all types of learners.
  In the past year, she launched a schoolwide initiative during Autism 
Awareness Month to educate members of the school community to promote 
acceptance, love, and understanding of those with autism and special 
needs. As a result of the initiative, many students performed random 
acts of kindness and engaged students with exceptionalities.
  I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Melissa for her devotion 
to helping her students succeed in life. I look forward to learning of 
her continued success in the coming years.

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