[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 83 (Wednesday, May 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E454-E455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING TESS MATTINGLY FLOREK FOR HER YEARS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 
                      AND COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LISA C. McCLAIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2023

  Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Tess Florek 
of St. Veronica Catholic School, who for nearly a decade has dedicated 
her career and scholarship to educating children in their early years. 
Throughout her years of service as a schoolteacher, Mrs. Florek has 
made remarkable contributions to the lives of students, parents, and 
her school community.
  Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Tess attended San Jose 
Catholic Grade School and spent her summers with family in New Orleans. 
After graduating high school with an International Baccalaureate 
degree, Tess attended Florida State University to become a Bachelor of 
Music. Upon the completion of her degree, she elected to earn her 
master's degree in the same field from the University of North Texas. 
In 2017, she earned her second master's degree in education from 
Marymount University.
  Despite her remarkable academic accomplishments thus far, Mrs. Florek 
is continuing her scholarship at Marymount University, where she is in 
the final year of her second master's degree in education through the 
Marymount University graduate program in Catholic School Leadership.
  As of the 2022-2023 academic year, Tess Florek has completed her 7th 
year teaching

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fourth grade students at St. Veronica Catholic School. Beyond her 
responsibility as a teacher, Tess actively serves as a school band 
leader while simultaneously playing an integral community role in the 
diocesan accreditation process.
  As the teacher for Josiah and Elijah Hawatmeh--nephews of my Chief of 
Staff, Nicola Hawatmeh--Mrs. Florek has left a lasting impression on 
the many young lives she has impacted. Her devotion and faithful 
service exemplify every characteristic that makes for a great educator, 
and we are all thankful for her passion, drive, and commitment to the 
field of education.
  I join the wider St. Veronica community in thanking Mrs. Florek for 
going above and beyond for her students at St. Veronica Catholic 
School. With National Teacher Appreciation still fresh in our minds, it 
is a profound honor to recognize the great work of Tess Florek and all 
the passionate men and women who dedicate their lives to educating our 
youngest generation.

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