[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6013]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO KIMBERLY OLIVER, NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR

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                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2006

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate my constituent 
Kimberly Oliver for being named the 2006 National Teacher of the Year. 
Ms. Oliver, a kindergarten teacher at Broad Acres Elementary School in 
Silver Spring, Maryland, exemplifies the best of the teaching 
profession--an innovative instructor who inspires her students to reach 
their full potential. Today, Ms. Oliver makes history as the first 
Montgomery County Public School or Maryland teacher to win this 
prestigious honor.
  Ms. Oliver has worked tirelessly, not only as a teacher but also as a 
leader outside of the classroom. Just a few short years ago, Broad 
Acres was on the brink of a takeover by the Maryland State Department 
of Education due to low performance by its students. Thanks to the hard 
work and dedication of Ms. Oliver and other faculty members, staff, and 
students, Broad Acres is now a model of school reform.
  Oliver was named Montgomery County Teacher of the Year in April 2005 
and was selected Maryland Teacher of the Year last October. She was 
named one of four finalists for the national honor in January. As the 
56th National Teacher of the Year, she will spend the next year 
representing our Nation's teachers at events around the country.
  The National Teacher of the Year Program is one of the oldest and 
most prestigious national honors programs that recognizes excellence in 
teaching. I am proud that one of Montgomery County's many outstanding 
teachers was awarded this honor.
  Education is the foundation of opportunity and America's children 
need teachers like Ms. Oliver to help provide them with the knowledge 
and training they need to become the leaders of tomorrow. I applaud 
Kimberly Oliver's achievement and wish her success in her future 
endeavors.

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