[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7099]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



    SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND COMMENDATION FOR ALVIN R. BELL, ON HIS 
                    RETIREMENT FROM PUBLIC EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL G. OXLEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 8, 2000

  Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to spotlight a very special 
individual who has unselfishly given his time, energy, and spirit to 
others in the Fourth Congressional District of Ohio. The month of June 
will pose many challenges to Findlay High School since it will be 
losing a top notch teacher and educator to a well-deserved retirement. 
His shoes will be very difficult to fill.
  Al Bell has taught at Findlay High, my alma mater, in Findlay, Ohio 
since 1964. It is not every high school that can boast of a teacher who 
has taught there for 36 years. Over the years I have witnessed how Al 
cares very deeply for his high school community family. For twelve 
years. Al has instructed and guided his students to state and national 
awards for their accomplishments in the We the People . . . 
competition. He has served eleven years as the History Department chair 
at FHS. Al sat on the Strategic Planning Committee for Technology and 
the Selection Committee for the Robert H. Hill Award for Findlay City 
Schools. Al has served in all aspects of academic life. He has been a 
teacher, advisor, scholar, international consultant and mentor. He 
knows inside and out how to guide a school to academic success and 
national recognition.
  The Center for Civic Education has also recognized that Al's academic 
strength and professionalism can benefit those around the world. He has 
served in both consultative and editorial roles for the Center. The 
Center has twice selected Al to travel to war-torn Bosnia to help 
educate Bosnian teachers on the virtues and benefits of democracy and 
how to impart this knowledge to young Bosnians. Al Bell is a 
peacekeeper in his own right.
  Though he will no longer work as a teacher for FHS, he will never be 
far from it in mind and spirit. The inspiration to ``think'' is perhaps 
one of his greatest legacies which lives on in those blessed enough to 
have known him. To Al and his wife, Judy, all the best as they approach 
this new adventure of retirement together.

                          ____________________