[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7994]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO SEVEN DEDICATED TEACHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 29, 1999

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend seven 
dedicated teachers from Northwest Indiana who have been voted 
outstanding educators by their peers for the 1998-1999 school year. 
These individuals, Bea Cak, Debra Clements, Jayne Gardner, Kevin 
Garling, Brenda Kovich, Toni Sulewski, and Denise Thrasher will be 
presented the Crystal Apple Award at a reception sponsored by the 
Indiana State Teachers Association and Horace Mann Insurance Company. 
This glorious event will take place at the Broadmoor County Club in 
Merrillville, Indiana, on Tuesday, May 4, 1999. Toni Sulewski will also 
receive the Torch of Knowledge Award for being selected the outstanding 
member of this distinguished group of educators.
  Bea Cak from Hanover Community School Corporation has taught for 27 
years. Currently she teaches second grade half of the day, and serves 
as the district elementary resource teacher at Jane Ball Elementary the 
other half of her workday. As a resource teacher, Bea has the 
responsibility of providing information and techniques to keep staff 
personnel updated. During monthly staff in-service sessions she shares 
creative K-6 activities that all teachers can utilize in their 
classrooms. Her colleagues know her as a dedicated teacher since she 
puts so much time into developing special projects for the school and 
her surrounding community.
  Debra Clements is described by her peers as an outstanding 
professional and dedicated teacher. She is an English/language arts 
teacher at Highland High School where she has taught for 19 years. To 
grow professionally, Debra has been actively involved in textbook 
selections and handbook revisions. She strives to be approachable and 
communicates well with administrators, fellow teachers, students and 
parents. Her special inner core of education-related beliefs and 
opinions are well received and respected.
  Within her 25 years of teaching, Jayne Gardner had the opportunity to 
teach in many diverse settings. Currently, she serves as an English/
language arts teacher at Kahler Middle School. She utilizes her ability 
as a mediator to discuss and address the concerns of teachers. Through 
her caring attitude she exhibits a great deal of thoughtfulness towards 
both students and teachers. Jayne's dedication to the profession of 
teaching is exemplary to any new educator.
  For the past 13 years, Kevin Garling has been the agriculture teacher 
at Lowell High School. His teaching approach is built upon the theme 
``Kids come first.'' As a sponsor of the Future Farmers of America, he 
has taken the club members to state and national competitions. He has 
created a parental group to work with the club members. Kevin's 
unselfishness and commitment to his students are an inspiration to all 
who know him.
  Brenda Kovich, a national board certified teacher, has worked with 
academically talented students at Elliott Elementary School in Munster, 
Indiana, for the past 15 years. She has written and received numerous 
grants, including a grant from the Lilly Foundation. Brenda is a 
continuous source of enthusiasm for both her students and others.
  Toni Sulewski from the Crown Point Community School Corporation has 
taught for 30 years. Dedicated to those students who have difficulty 
with school, she persevered to ensure an alternative school program was 
developed in the community. As a professional educator, she works 
closely with the special education staff to adapt teaching methods to 
the various students' learning styles. Her performance as a 
professional is twofold: one is her dedication to the students and 
their development; while the second is her dedication to fellow 
teachers and the safety of their environment.
  Denise Thrasher teaches foreign language and literature at North 
Newton High School. Her commitment to students is obvious. She tutors 
students during lunchtime and also after school. Despite having cancer 
surgery and undergoing chemotherapy treatments, she has remained very 
active both teaching and serving on local and state school committees. 
Denise's energy is an incentive to all.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in 
commending these outstanding educators on their receipt of the 1999 
Crystal Apple Award. The years of hard work they have put forth in 
shaping the minds and futures of Northwest Indiana's young people is a 
true inspiration to us all.

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