[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14113]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF 2004 LeGRAND SMITH OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD 
                         WINNER J. BARRY WELDON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2004

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, education is the key to our 
Nation's future prosperity and security. The formidable responsibility 
of molding and inspiring young minds to the avenues of hope, 
opportunity and achievement partially rests in the hands of our 
teachers. Today, I would like to recognize a teacher from Jackson, 
Michigan that significantly influenced and motivated exceptional 
students in academics and leadership who were winners of the LeGrand 
Smith Scholarship.
  J. Barry Weldon teaches Modern American History and Government at 
Morenci High School in Morenci. He is credited with instilling in 
students an enthusiasm for not only these subjects, but also for life. 
As one of his students, Rosanna Green said, Mr. Weldon is an amazing 
educator. In everything he teaches he adds excitement for learning. He 
also taught me important life lessons and influenced me to always try 
hard and be the best I possibly can be.'' The respect and gratitude of 
his students speaks well of Barry's ability to challenge young minds 
and encourage them to always put forth their best effort.
  J. Barry Weldon's extraordinary work as a teacher has challenged and 
inspired countless students to move beyond the teenage tendency of 
superficial study and encourage them to foster deeper thought and 
connections to the real world. Arguably, no profession is more 
important because of its daily influence upon the future leaders of our 
community and our country, and Barry's impact on his/her students is 
certainly worthy of recognition.
  On behalf of the Congress of the United States of America, I am proud 
to extend our highest praise to J. Barry Weldon. We thank him for his 
continuing dedication to teaching and his willingness and ability to 
challenge and inspire students to strive for success.

                          ____________________