[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 191 (Monday, November 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING 2021 CALIFORNIA TEACHER OF THE YEAR JIM KLIPFEL

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                            HON. MIKE GARCIA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 1, 2021

  Mr. GARCIA of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and 
honor California's 2021 Representative for Teacher of the Year, Mr. Jim 
Klipfel. A U.S. History teacher and Athletics coach from my alma mater 
of Saugus High School, Mr. Klipfel is the embodiment of academic 
passion, humility, and service to others. While his family, friends, 
and students would be the first to say that Mr. Klipfel is not one to 
embrace the spotlight, there is not a shadow of a doubt as to whether 
he truly deserves the honorific title of ``Teacher of the Year''.
  At Saugus High School, Mr. Klipfel has served as an athletic and 
academic mentor to generations of students, going above and beyond what 
is normally expected of an educator to impart the leaders of tomorrow 
with invaluable lessons and qualities to help them succeed and make the 
world a better place. He has always challenged students to think for 
themselves, reject the status quo, and ``pull back the curtain'' to 
expose the faults of existing systems in the hopes of improving them. 
He has poured his heart and soul into his profession and the success of 
those whose education he has been entrusted with. It is not a 
responsibility that he takes lightly. His friends, colleagues, and most 
of all his students bear witness every day to how much Mr. Klipfel 
gives of himself to ensure the success of his students. He does so with 
unbridled intelligence, kindness, and above all else, passion.
  Recognizing the unique challenges that American high schoolers face 
today, Mr. Klipfel has prioritized students' well-being and mental 
health while also pushing them to go beyond their comfort zone and 
realize their full potential. He achieves this by putting in the work 
to make himself available to any student who needs help and by walking 
them through mistakes in order to learn from them. He routinely holds 
after-hours study sessions to help students better prepare for tests, 
and never shies from lending a helping hand to those who may be in 
difficult situations outside the classroom. He always strives to teach 
his students lessons that will help them beyond academics, such as the 
value of charity, making the best out of difficult situations, and the 
importance of civic engagement.
  In the face of numerous challenges over the past two years, Mr. 
Klipfel has proven to be a resilient figure in the CA-25 community. 
After a school shooting in November of 2019, he helped his school 
rebuild and become stronger in the aftermath of tragedy. As the world 
transitioned to online learning and Zoom classes, Mr. Klipfel worked to 
keep students engaged and active in the classroom to ensure their 
continued academic success despite the odds facing them.
  I am proud that such an exemplary teacher was selected to represent 
California's 25th District and California at large on the national 
stage and honored for his service and accomplishments. Mr. Klipfel no 
doubt represents the best of what teachers can be, and the promise of 
the future when we invest ourselves into helping young people realize 
their full potential inside and outside of the classroom. California's 
25th district, our state, and our country are grateful for all Mr. 
Klipfel has given our community as he continues to inspire and educate 
the leaders of tomorrow.

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