[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Pages 8220-8221]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNITION OF KAREN MIKOLASY--WASHINGTON STATE TEACHER OF THE YEAR

  Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, ``Teacher''--Webster's defines a teacher 
as one who ``imparts knowledge of or skill in'' a particular subject 
matter. Teaching, of course, extends far beyond that clinical 
definition. Many teachers bring passion and dedication to their work 
that often reaches outside the classroom as teachers serve as mentors, 
coaches, advisors and friends to their students. Each of us can 
remember a teacher who inspired us, motivated us, even changed our 
lives.
  The students at Shorecrest High School in Washington state have just 
such a teacher. Karen Mikolasy has taught for 28 years with passion for 
her students and for her work. She emphasizes consistency and 
standards. In Mrs. Mikolasy's class homework is handed in on time and 
papers are rewritten until they earn at least a B. That consistency in 
expectations also carries over to consistent positive reinforcement to 
her students--she tells them daily that it is a privilege to be their 
teacher. She says that in 28 years, not one day has gone by which she 
hasn't wanted to be in the classroom with her students.
  I was honored to meet Mrs. Mikolasy a few weeks ago in my office 
while she was in DC to be recognized as the Washington State Teacher of 
the Year. In the few minutes I met with her, I understood why she won 
this honor. Her passion and commitment to educating and inspiring young 
people was clear. The words of her students however, are probably the 
best tribute.
  One student characterized Mrs. Mikolasy this way: ``. . . she teased, 
she nagged, fumed, roared, tested and laughed. She turned us into real 
readers. She led us through worlds both familiar and foreign. There are 
still rumors that hint at her unwavering

[[Page 8221]]

stance in class, but one legend should not be overlooked or forgotten. 
Mrs. Mikolasy is and always will be a masterful teacher.''
  Mrs. Mikolasy also tells a story about a package she received one day 
from a former student who is now a lawyer. The package, in which was a 
Mont Blanc pen, also included a note: ``Dear teacher, big case, won 
lots of bucks! Won case because of writing. You taught writing: you get 
pen. I did writing: I get money. Spend money. Money gone? Do more 
writing, get more money. Writing not work, maybe I come get another 
writing lesson.'' It is said that while most Americans spend their 
living building careers, teachers spend their careers building lives. 
That certainly seems to be the case with Karen Mikolasy.
  So today I recognize Karen Mikolasy with the Innovation in Education 
Award. This is an award I give out each week to recognize people who 
make a difference in our local communities. It is based on the common-
sense idea, that it is parents and educators who look our children in 
the eyes every day who know best how to educate them. Karen Mikolasy is 
most deserving of this award.
  Last night another experience made clear to me the impact teachers 
can have on their students. I attended an awards dinner for the ``We 
the People . . . the Citizens and the Constitution'' program. The 
program encourages junior high and high school students to study the 
constitution by developing competitive teams at each school. Each team 
has a teacher as a coach. Last night each teacher was recognized. There 
were no fewer than 1200 students giving their teachers standing 
ovations and cheering in appreciation of their efforts.
  I also like to recognize all of the teachers in Washington state, who 
demonstrate their passion for teaching and for kids every day in the 
classroom. Today and the balance of this week is set aside to honor and 
celebrate teachers. I know that all of my colleagues will join me in 
recognizing our wonderful teachers across the nation.

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