[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6768]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




WILEY DOBBS RECOGNIZED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN THE IDAHO CONGRESSIONAL AWARD 
                                PROGRAM

 Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, education is the fundamental base 
that enables our youth to transition to adulthood. The basic principles 
students learn provide them with the necessary skills to become 
productive and responsible citizens. In Idaho we view education as an 
investment not to be taken lightly. It is essential our students are 
well prepared so that the journey through the halls of our schools will 
end at the doorway to success.
  The preparation for this passage is intense. Not only must our 
students understand the basics of science, civics, and communication, 
but they are expected to defend themselves in the face of peer pressure 
and poor choices. In order the achieve this, we look to those who serve 
on the front lines of our education system. It is our teachers who will 
help students aspire to greatness. In Idaho, our teachers do more than 
expected by expressing to our students the importance of giving back to 
our communities. They show our students an avenue through which to 
improve themselves and the cities and towns from which they come. 
Teachers who encourage community service ought to be thanked.
  I thank all the administrators, staff, and teachers in Idaho schools 
for helping our students visualize their self-worth, thus enabling them 
to achieve greatness. In addition, today I would like to single out one 
educator in particular for his dedication and commitment to our local 
community.
  Wiley Dobbs has served in nearly every level of the education system 
over his tenure in southern Idaho. From time spent as a student at 
Morningside Elementary school, to his current position as 
superintendent of the Twin Falls School District, Wiley Dobbs has had a 
positive impact on the lives of others every step of the way. The 
standard of excellence set by Wiley is one for which all Idaho 
educators should strive.
  Wiley began his higher educational endeavor at the College of 
Southern Idaho where he received an associates degree. He later went on 
to receive two bachelors degrees in social science and health and 
physical education from Boise State University. Wiley began his career 
as a teacher in Montpelier, ID who he taught five subjects and coached 
three sports. He then moved to Twin Falls and taught at both O'Leary 
Jr. High School and Twin Falls High School. During his time in the high 
school he taught courses in Government and English, coached wrestling, 
and worked toward receiving his master's degree in education from 
Albertson College of Idaho.
  After receiving his master's degree, Wiley made the transition from 
educator to administrator. Despite the shifting role, Wiley positive 
impact on students only improved. As principal of the Magic Valley 
Alternative High School, he increased enrollment from 40 to over 125 
students in only 2 years. Wiley also served as Principal of O'Leary 
Junior High School in Twin Falls. His outstanding work with both the 
students and faculty in he southern Idaho school district was 
recognized not only by the local community, but by the state, as well. 
In 1999, the Idaho Associates of Secondary School Administrators, 
MetLife, and the National Association of Secondary Principals named him 
Idaho's Secondary Principal of the Year. In 2001, Wiley was named the 
State Middle Level Educator of the Year.
  Wiley's work is also recognized on the national level. His 
involvement on the Idaho Congressional Award Board has raised the 
number of Idaho recipients to one of the highest in the nation. 
Students receive the honor by registering on the national level, and 
then completing hundreds of hours of community service in four separate 
categories: volunteer public service, personal development, physical 
fitness, and expedition exploration. Those students receiving the Gold 
Medal will have completed at least 700 hours of community service over 
a 2-3 year period. Wiley has advised and helped approximately a third 
of Idaho's Gold Medal recipients since the beginning of his involvement 
in 1993 when he was named to the post by Congressman Mike Crapo.
  Wiley Dobbs has been the driving force behind the Idaho Congressional 
Award Program. He has inspired, motivated, and encouraged hundreds of 
Idaho's youth to receive the national honor. His efforts have 
solidified Idaho's presence in the national program, and it is his 
investment in Idaho's students that will benefit all our local 
communities. I hope all of us, especially those involved in our 
education system, will look to the example set by Wiley Dobbs. His 
leadership and dedication to our children are an inspiration to us 
all.

                          ____________________