[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 150 (Tuesday, August 24, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E919]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING PATRICK COLLINS FOR HIS FIFTY YEARS OF TEACHING AT BELEN 
                       JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 24, 2021

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
outstanding educator in my district, Mr. Patrick Collins, who has 
dedicated fifty years towards teaching the young men of Miami-Dade 
County.
  Patrick received his B.A. in history and secondary education from 
Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, in 1971. That same year, he 
began his impressive teaching career at Belen Jesuit Preparatory 
School, where he still teaches today. Shortly after beginning his 
career at Belen, he became the Chairperson of the newly created Social 
Studies Department--a clear indicator of his leadership qualities even 
at a young age. In 1975, Patrick received his M.S. in administration in 
secondary education from Barry University and founded Belen's varsity 
tennis team, where he served as head coach until 2007. If that year 
wasn't busy enough for Patrick, he also fostered the longstanding 
relationship with Belen and Close Up Foundation, thereby allowing 
thousands of students to visit Washington, D.C., and witness the seat 
of our nation's government. In fact, in 2015, he was inducted into 
Close Up Foundation's Educator Hall of Fame, a distinction which he 
rightfully deserves.
  It has been an honor to work with Mr. Collins over the years and I 
truly value his friendship. I have visited his classroom on several 
occasions to speak to his students regarding my role as a Member of 
Congress and it is clear how respected he is amongst his students and 
peers. Through these visits, I have seen firsthand his passion for 
teaching and the influence that he has on all those who he interacts 
with. He represents the values that Belen Jesuit Preparatory School 
hopes to instill in its students and has done a commendable job 
preparing young men for their future.
  Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to know that an educator such as Mr. 
Collins resides in South Florida. He has truly made a difference in the 
lives of every student he interacts with and I ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.

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