[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 1894-1895]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING HEATHER ERICKSON AS THE 2013 OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA 
                          TEACHER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 27, 2013

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. 
Heather Erickson as the 2013 Okaloosa County, Florida Teacher of the 
Year. For eight years, Ms. Erickson has been an inspiration to her 
students, her colleagues, and her community, and I am honored to 
recognize her success and myriad of achievements.
   After receiving her bachelor's degree in Education from William 
Smith College in 2005, Ms. Erickson moved to Northwest Florida to begin 
her teaching career. After teaching kindergarten and second grade at 
Holley-Navarre Primary School for six years, Ms. Erickson joined Elliot 
Point Elementary School, where she currently serves as a kindergarten 
teacher.
   Northwest Florida has been blessed with an abundance of exemplary 
educators who teach students of all ages. As a kindergarten teacher, 
Ms. Erickson understands and values the critical role she plays in the 
journey and development of her young students. Throughout her teaching 
career, Ms. Erickson has shown an unwavering commitment to inspiring 
her students and pushing them to their highest potential. Most 
recently, she has demonstrated her leadership as Data Team leader, and 
she has made a tremendous impact on Elliot Point Elementary.
   Outside of her classroom, Ms. Erickson dedicates her time and 
teaching experience to mentor other teachers and support school 
activities. In addition to her involvement at Elliot Point Elementary, 
Ms. Erickson is a member of the Okaloosa County Educations 
Associations, as well as, the National Educators Association.
   Ms. Erickson has been widely recognized and honored for her years of 
exemplary work, dedication, and inspiration as an educator. She was 
awarded both the Holley-Navarre Primary School Teacher of the Year, as 
well as, the Elliot Point Teacher of the Year. In both 2007 and 2009, 
Ms. Erickson was a recipient of the Santa Rosa Education Foundation 
Grant, which she utilized to improve the reading and math curricula in 
the community. While Ms. Erickson is an exceptional educator, she 
credits her success and achievements to the amazing students she has 
had the privilege of teaching. The most rewarding aspect of her 
profession is that she is able to watch her students grow as they 
learn.
   Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Heather Erickson as the 
Okaloosa County, Florida Teacher of the Year and thank her for her 
commitment to service to Northwest Florida. My wife Vicki joins me in 
congratulating Ms. Erickson, and we wish her all the best.

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