[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9972]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 IN APPRECIATION OF MS. ROXANNE DODSON

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                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2006

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise before you today 
in appreciation of a woman who has dedicated her life to educating 
young people. For eighteen and a half years, Ms. Roxanne Dodson has 
taught the beauty of art to Aberdeen Middle School students in Harford 
County. She has gained support and admiration from her peers and the 
school's administrators for her gift of education.
  Art is a subject which is unlike any other. It is not a matter of 
right or wrong; instead it is a test of one's inner self. Some students 
simply do not have a natural gift in the arts; however, Ms. Dodson 
teaches personal growth and self acceptance. Students are rewarded for 
their courage to experiment and ``think outside the box.'' They are 
taught much more than basic lines, curves and colors: they are taught 
how to try something new and accept the talents they possess.
  Ms. Dodson is devoted to the students of Aberdeen Middle School. She 
uses her honed skills to assist with the school plays, concerts, and 
other special events. She says, ``When a student knows a teacher cares, 
the emotional walls, no matter how thick, start to disintegrate.''
  I believe a successful learning environment is a safe environment. 
When students feel safe, they give more of themselves to the classroom, 
which results in learning. This is critical for the arts. An artist, no 
matter what level, must tear down their defensive walls to produce 
good, honest work.
  Ms. Dodson received a Maryland Art Education award for outstanding 
service in 2001. Using her Masters degree in at-risk students, she 
developed a program to engage students who lack connection to other 
extra-curricular activities. This group created a garden entrance in 
their courtyard.
  Ms. Dodson allows students to believe in themselves. She shows them 
the potential they have and encourages them to see their strengths. Her 
humorous and down-to-earth personality makes her approachable by 
students. She is among the elite in educators.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you please join me in thanking Ms. Roxanne 
Dodson for awakening the expectations of her students and stimulating 
the creativity they will need for the rest of their lives. She is an 
inspiration to all educators.

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