[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 9, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRESSIONAL EDUCATION AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VERN BUCHANAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2024

  Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of outstanding 
public school employees in Florida's 16th Congressional District.
  School employees work tirelessly because they understand that their 
efforts are not just about fulfilling a job description, but about 
shaping the future.
  They deserve recognition because they are the architects of 
knowledge, the mentors of tommorrow's leaders, and the unsung heroes 
who work behind the scenes to ensure that every child has the 
opportunity to thrive.
  Ten years ago, I established the Congressional Teacher Awards program 
with the aim of providing special acknowledgment to educators within 
Florida's 16th Congressional District for their outstanding 
achievements. This year, we expanded the event's scope to encompass all 
school employees, recognizing their invaluable contribution in both 
teaching and inspiring students.
  The following public school employees from Manatee and Hillsborough 
counties were nominated and selected to receive Florida's 16th 
District's 2024 Congressional Education Award for their 
accomplishments:
  Manatee County: Michelle Ayling, State College of Florida Collegiate 
School; Jensina Barnes, Palm View K-8; Pauline Barnes, Manatee High 
School; W. Shane Baxley, Manatee Technical College; Amy Bradl, Willis 
Elementary School; Patrice Cairo, Gene Witt Elementary School; William 
Cirone, Manatee Technical College; Joadie Durfee, Harvey Elementary 
School; Rennie Finck, Lakewood Ranch High School; Katie Fradley, Willis 
Elementary School; Jennifer Harper, Williams Elementary School; Jen 
Johnson, Sea Breeze Elementary School; Kami Lake, various Manatee 
County schools; Debra McCarthy, Lakewood Ranch High School; Chelsea 
McCay, Daughtrey Elementary School; Stefanie Minihan, Braden River High 
School; Patricia Pearson, Braden River Middle School; Katherine Price, 
Willis Elementary School; Jodi Samson, McNeal Elementary School; Laura 
Schuyler, Braden River Middle School; Jessica Spence, McNeal Elementary 
School.
  Hillsborough County: Kathy Dodd, Newsome High School; Donna Hart, 
Newsome High School; Melissa Hart, Winthrop Charter School; Aliya 
Norman, Reddick Elementary School; Kimberly Opperman, Reddick 
Elementary School.
  On behalf of the people of Florida's 16th District, I congratulate 
each of these outstanding educators and offer my sincere appreciation 
for their service and dedication.

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