[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATING DON BOTT'S EXTRAORDINARY CAREER IN EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOSH HARDER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2026

  Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
celebrate the extraordinary career of Mr. Don Bott as he retires after 
41 years of dedicated service as an educator in Stockton, California.
  For more than four decades, Mr. Bott has shaped the lives of 
countless students through his unwavering commitment to education, 
mentorship, and personal growth. He spent over 30 years teaching 
English and journalism at Stagg High School, where he inspired 
generations of young people with a deep appreciation for literature, 
writing, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. His classroom was 
more than a place of instruction--it was a place where students were 
challenged to discover their voices, build confidence, and strive 
toward their full potential.
  In addition to his work in the classroom, Mr. Bott served for 27 
years as advisor to the nationally recognized and award-winning Stagg 
Line newspaper. Under his leadership, student journalists developed not 
only exceptional writing and reporting skills, but also the confidence 
and discipline necessary to succeed in college, careers, and civic 
life. Through journalism, Mr. Bott empowered students to tell 
meaningful stories, pursue truth, and engage thoughtfully with the 
world around them.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Bott became known not only as an 
exceptional educator, but as a mentor whose influence extended far 
beyond graduation. Former students regularly returned to his classroom 
to share their experiences and offer guidance to younger students--a 
testament to the lasting impact of his mentorship and the strong 
community he cultivated over the years. Thousands of students 
benefitted from his encouragement, compassion, and belief in their 
ability to succeed.
  In the final years of his career, Mr. Bott continued his service to 
Stockton Unified School District as a teacher's coach, helping support 
and mentor fellow educators so that future generations of students 
could continue to receive the highest quality education. His leadership 
and experience strengthened not only individual classrooms, but the 
broader educational community across Stockton.
  Mr. Bott's legacy is one of service, excellence, and unwavering 
advocacy for students. He has been a champion for the art of writing, a 
passionate advocate for reading and journalism, and a transformational 
figure in public education. His awards and honors include: San Joaquin 
County Teacher of the Year, National Scholastic Press Association 
Pioneer, and Journalism Education Association Medal of Merit. His 
impact on Stockton will continue to be felt for generations through the 
students, teachers, and community members whose lives he touched.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Don Bott for his 
remarkable 41-year career and to congratulate him on his well-earned 
retirement. The people of Stockton and the entire Central Valley are 
deeply grateful for his decades of dedication and service.

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