[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4757]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING MR. TIMOTHY HESTER AS THE 2011 HURLBURT AFA CHAPTER 398 
                    HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 30, 2011

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Timothy Hester as the 2011 Hurlburt AFA Chapter 398 High School Teacher 
of the Year. For more than 30 years, Mr. Hester has been an inspiration 
to his students and colleagues, and I am honored to recognize this 
achievement.
  Out of his passion for teaching and love of aviation, Mr. Hester 
creates a unique and stimulating learning environment. His introductory 
middle school course on aeronautics has been adopted by middle schools 
throughout Okaloosa County as the model for their aeronautics programs. 
Mr. Hester built on that success and translated it to the high school 
level, where he currently teaches introductory courses in aviation, 
aerospace, and space flight in three high schools through the CHOICE 
Aviation Institute.
  Through his tireless work and dedication, Mr. Hester has ensured that 
the equipment, teachers, and programs necessary to advance aeronautical 
education are readily available to his students. Last year, he raised 
$50,000 in donations and grants to fund these needs, and he has 
expanded the Aviation Institute, recruiting students and establishing a 
classroom, among other efforts.
  To Mr. Hester, learning is not isolated within the classroom walls. 
He has afforded his students the opportunity to fly with the 
Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles Program and has hosted 
field trips to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Education in the 
classroom coupled with practical experience in aviation has amplified 
the innovative learning experience, providing students a foundation for 
success and earning him the recognition of High School Teacher of the 
Year.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to 
recognize Mr. Hester as the Hurlburt AFA Chapter 398 High School 
Teacher of the Year and for his continuing commitment to excellence. My 
wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Timothy Hester, and we wish him 
all the best.

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