[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14065]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING KEVIN CLINE AND HIS NATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN 
                            TEACHING HISTORY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
educator Kevin Cline of Frankton Junior Senior High School, the winner 
of the 2016 National History Teacher of the Year Award given by the 
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. It is well-deserved.
  Kevin teaches United States History, American Government, World 
History, and several AP history courses at Frankton Junior Senior High 
School located in the town of Frankton in Madison County, Indiana. When 
asked why he loves teaching history he said ``it's got the best heroes 
and the best villains''. That quote shows the fun he brings to his 
role. I have been honored to be able to speak with Kevin and his 
students not only in his classroom but also in the Indiana State House 
where students had the opportunity to learn about the law making 
process at the state level. These students even had the chance to 
present their bill ideas to state legislators. I have seen firsthand 
his passion for teaching, history, and his students. Despite the hard 
work he has put in to achieve this honor, Kevin says that winning this 
award does not match the privilege he has of getting to work with his 
students every day. His dedication to his students and his innovation 
in the classroom are a gift to his students and our Hoosier community.
  Kevin is also an innovator by integrating technology into the 
classroom. He believes technology is the best way to connect classroom 
content to individual students. I would like to share one of many 
examples of him going above and beyond in his job and incorporating 
innovation. Kevin worked with Indiana University's Center on Congress 
to develop the app ``Freedom Summer.'' The app teaches students the 
relationship between the Civil Rights Movement and the passage of civil 
rights legislation in Congress in a game-based, interactive learning 
environment. Continuing to innovate and make history relevant to 
today's students will ensure our next generation can prepare for our 
future challenges by learning from the past. Kevin continually engages 
with my office to educate his students which inspires his students to 
become more active citizens of the United States.
  In 2013, I had the honor of meeting with Kevin in D.C. to 
congratulate him on his 2012 American Civic Education Teacher Award. I 
am proud once again to congratulate Kevin on his 2016 National History 
Teacher of the Year award. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I want to extend 
a heartfelt thank you to Kevin for his contributions to our schools, 
history education, and most importantly to our students. As the 
daughter, sister and mom of teachers, I know the difficult, yet 
rewarding, job he has. The very best teachers have a deep passion for 
their subject matter, devoting themselves to not only sharing wisdom 
but igniting enthusiasm and excitement in their pupils. In a time when 
there is concern for declining civic engagement Kevin Cline is guiding 
the next generation of Indiana students to be knowledgeable, 
passionate, and engaged members of their community and the United 
States. Congratulations Kevin, your award is well-deserved.

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