[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 79 (Monday, May 13, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SHANE SWEZEY

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Shane Swezey, the 
Sarasota County Teacher of the Year from Oak Park School in Sarasota, 
FL.
  Shane received this award at the Education Foundation of Sarasota 
County's Ignite Education Awards Celebration in front of a crowd of 
more than 300 people. Shane provides music education and therapy 
services to students at Oak Park School, the district's center school 
for special needs. He is a staunch advocate for students with special 
needs, preferring to focus on the abilities of his students, rather 
than dwell on their disabilities. He views music as an engaging, 
motivating, and accessible medium to support his students' academic 
goals.
  Shane's colleagues note he uses creative teaching methods to engage 
his students and build trust with them. He plays songs and sings with 
his students to cue certain words from them. When a student says the 
word in question, his attempt is successful, and this is part of what 
makes his job so worthwhile to him.
  I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Shane for his tireless 
work to help teach his students. I look forward to hearing of his 
continued good work in the years to come.

                          ____________________