[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 188 (Tuesday, November 14, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO TIMOTHY FERGUSON

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I recognize Timothy Ferguson, the 
Sarasota County Teacher of the Year from Garden Elementary School in 
Venice, FL.
  When Timothy moved to Florida, he was out of his comfort zone. He 
needed to develop a new lesson plan for students younger than he was 
accustomed to teaching. Since then, he has decided to lead by example 
to his students. When he sings during class, he tells his students 
that, while he was never instructed on how to sing, it shows them his 
willingness to try his best and to learn from his mistakes. This is 
what they should be doing in his and other classes in school.
  Timothy wants his students to grow as musicians and is dedicated to 
his craft. He sees every student at the school, more than 500, once a 
week. This gives him the opportunity to be a positive role model in 
their lives.
  Timothy has taught for more than 20 years. Beginning his career in 
New York as an instrumental music teacher and band director, Timothy 
moved to Florida where he now teaches music classes at Garden 
Elementary School for kindergarten through fifth grade students.
  I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes to Timothy for his 
commitment to his students. I look forward to hearing about his 
continued good work in the years to come.

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