[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12521]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING SCOTT URBAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TIMOTHY J. WALZ

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 30, 2010

  Mr. WALZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of Scott Urban, a teacher from Mankato West High School 
in Mankato, MN.
  Scott was one of two recipients this year to receive the Minnesota 
WEM Foundation Outstanding Educator Award for Teacher Achievement.
  This award recognizes exemplary teachers who support, inspire and 
assist students to attain greater learning. The recipients of this 
award are nominated by students, parents, colleagues, and community 
members--the people who know the difference a good teacher can make.
  As a teacher on leave from Mankato West, I have had the honor to 
teach with Scott.
  I've seen how Scott's passion for teaching and outstanding leadership 
inspires students to achieve their true potential. He encourages 
students to learn the material not for a test, but to increase their 
knowledge and shape their world view.
  Scott's success with students is truly unmatched. Over the past 11 
years at Mankato West, students in his AP government and politics class 
have maintained an 80 percent pass rate on the national AP exam, well 
above the state and national averages. Last year, 85 students took the 
exam in his class and 46 achieved the highest possible score, five out 
of five.
  Students in Scott's advanced placement government and politics class 
come away with a superior knowledge of our political system and a deep 
appreciation for our democracy.
  For 27 years Scott has challenged every student that walks into his 
classroom to go beyond what is expected. His efforts have impacted a 
generation of students and we in Minnesota are lucky to have him. I can 
think of no one else who deserves this award as much as he does.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Scott Urban for his life of 
dedication and service to his community and his country.

                          ____________________