[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 118 (Friday, June 26, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E575-E576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING LINDA ROST OF BAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2020

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, Montana has some of the best, 
brightest, most innovative educators in our country, and our students 
are better for it. I rise today to honor one of the best, Linda Rost of 
Baker who's recognized for her dedication to students and for her 
outstanding accomplishments in education.
  Linda loves rural living and that's why Baker is her perfect fit. She 
enjoys the culture and the pride people have living in a small 
community. She says, when there's crummy winter weather, everyone goes 
through it together, and the community grows stronger and closer.
  Her extended family lives in nearby Willard. Linda feels a deep 
connection to the area. When a teacher is linked to her community that 
much, she can more easily relate to the kids and make a lasting 
difference in their lives.
  While attending New Mexico State University, Linda started studying 
to be a scientist, but soon found the lab lonely and boring. She 
noticed she enjoyed tutoring and began taking education classes. That's 
when she realized where her passions lie and what she truly wanted to 
do. Fast forward to today, she earned two master's degrees in education 
from Montana State University, and is working on a Ph.D. in Curriculum 
and Instruction with a specialization in Science, Technology, 
Engineering and Mathematics at Texas Tech University.
  Linda teaches biology, AP biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, 
and science research at Baker High School, the same high school her 
father went to. She says it's really exciting to see her students pick 
a research project they're passionate about, lead it to completion, and 
find themselves along the way. Many of Linda's students have competed 
in national and international science competitions.
  Two recent graduates of Baker High School conducted innovative, 
cutting-edge research. One student studied breast cancer signs and 
tested novel drugs used on brain cancer. He conducted weekly Skype 
sessions with scientists and got good results.
  Another student wanted to make a biodegradable wrap for hay bales. 
She produced a bioplastic for the bales out of algae--stronger than the 
usual wrap--and after two weeks, it degraded slowly while maintaining 
its strength.
  Linda calls herself a ``guide,'' but she is so much more. Linda 
serves as an inspiration for her students.
  Linda is the 2020 Montana Teacher of the Year, and she was one of 
four finalists for 2020 National Teacher of the Year, which is run by 
the Council of Chief State School Officers.
  Teaching is Linda's passion, and Montana is better for it, Madam 
Speaker, for her commitment to education, her exceptional, engaging 
science instruction, and her lasting impact on students.

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