[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 25586]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 IN RECOGNITION OF ``NATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY''

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, October 17, 1999 is ``National 
Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Day'' and I want to take this 
opportunity to honor the 15 million American men and women who serve as 
Sunday school teachers. They are surely one of our nation's most 
valuable resources.
  Since 1993, ``National Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Day'' has 
helped foster an increased awareness of the vital role Sunday school 
plays in the life of the local church and community. By marking this 
day, churches have an opportunity to nominate the cream of the crop of 
their Sunday school teachers for national recognition. An integral part 
of this campaign is the search for the ``Henrietta Mears Sunday School 
Teacher of the Year.'' This award was established in honor of Dr. 
Henrietta Mears, a famous Christian educator who influenced the lives 
of such Christian leaders as Dr. Billy Graham, and many more.
  Through their work, Sunday school teachers offer a wealth of 
information and guidance to America's youth. In the wake of incidents 
at Columbine High School and, more recently, at the Wedgewood Baptist 
Church in Texas, the importance of these volunteers, who help shepherd 
their communities through difficult times, only increases in value. 
Through community-based programs--and especially those deeply rooted in 
faith, such as Sunday School--our nation and my state of Minnesota can 
help bring out the best in our children as they go through the ever-
more challenging task of growing up in our society.
  Sunday school teachers have had an enormous influence on countless 
Minnesotans, including myself. I personally recall my Sunday school 
teachers as men and women of great character who I respected and 
admired, and who helped shape my moral fiber. As I look back on my own 
experience, and those of my friends and relatives, it is with 
considerable appreciation I make this statement today. The service 
given by the men and women who every week give up their Sunday mornings 
to help educate and mold our children is certainly service given from 
the heart.
  In conclusion, Mr. President, I personally thank all Sunday school 
teachers in my state of Minnesota and across the country for the 
tremendous work they do for not only our youth, but for all families 
and our society as a whole.

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