[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6493]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2012

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, during National Teacher Appreciation Week, I 
rise to honor our teachers.
  Teachers are at the heart of our community, and this week we 
commemorate the hard-working men and women who educate and inspire our 
children. As part of National Teacher Appreciation Week, I was asked by 
the National Education Association to name a teacher who had a 
significant impact on my education. My journalism and debate coach, Mr. 
Ralph Chavez, quickly came to mind. He was not only a teacher but a 
mentor, friend and counselor. He inspired me to push myself, and helped 
me become the person I am today. This week, I am proud to help 
recognize all of our dedicated teachers who, like Mr. Chavez, have 
educated and motivated their students. As a parent and grandparent, I 
am grateful for the contributions of all of our educators, and am 
particularly proud of the teachers in the El Paso community.
  As a Member of Congress, one of the best ways I can help make 
National Teacher Appreciation Week more meaningful is to continue 
working to provide our teachers with the resources they need to educate 
their students. Today's teachers face many challenges and deserve not 
only our recognition, but our full measure of support for their 
efforts.
  Education has always been one of my top priorities, and I will 
continue to fight for our teachers, our students, our school districts, 
and for parents who want their children to have the best education 
possible.

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