Henry Cuellar

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the accomplishments of Susan Dawson, who teaches at Specht Elementary School in the Comal Independent School District. Today's teachers not only serve as educators but also as friends and sometimes even role-models to their students. Susan Dawson is one of those teachers. Not only does she present the mere ``textbook'' information but she treats her students as if they were family. Ms. Dawson realizes that students are unique and because of this they require different approaches to being taught. This methodology of universal teaching has made Ms. Dawson the successful teacher she is today. Receiving her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Texas State University in San Marcos, Ms. Dawson has accompanied her degrees with 9 years of experience in the classroom to establish a greater understanding of what students need from their teachers. It is for this commitment that she has proved herself to be an invaluable asset to the students of Comal County, and it is with great honor that I recognize her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of El Dia De Los Ninos. This event, held in Laredo every year on April 30, celebrates our children, the architects of our nation's future. El Dia De Los Ninos celebrates family values, and encourages children to develop the skills and habits that will help them in later life. This holiday is celebrated in over 75 cities throughout the United States and Latin America. The Laredo celebration has grown explosively, from a few hundred in 1999 to 14,000 adults and children in 2004. This year's celebration will be organized by Mary Capello and the Texas Migrant Council, and will include an essay contest which asks: ``How is honoring books the key to my future?'' In addition, El Dia De Los Ninos in Laredo will include workshops in book appreciation, classical music, and art, to help spark the imaginations of the city's children and to inspire them to explore their potential. I encourage you to join me in celebrating all of our children on this April 30th. Our children genuinely are the architects of our future, and we should all work together to do what we can do to support strong families, better education, and a brighter future for the next generation.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of Melinda Rios, Arlon Seay Intermediate School Teacher of the Year. Melinda Rios holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She has accumulated an impressive record of accomplishment in her 19 years of teaching. Today, Ms. Rios teaches Science and Social Studies to sixth-graders at Arlon Seay Intermediate School in the Comal Independent School District. Ms. Rios believes that teaching is an interactive process that requires adjustments and alterations to fit each individual student. She sees herself as a resource that students can call on as they work to achieve their life goals. Ms. Rios' commitment to service, and her willingness to learn and grow in her chosen profession, have made her one of her district's most valuable teachers. She is a tremendously valuable resource for her students, and for all of the families of her community. Her hard work prepares her students for future success, and helps to make them well- rounded citizens. She is a credit to the Arlon Seay Intermediate School, and I am happy to have had the chance to honor her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Steve Foster, who teaches at Smithson Valley Middle School in the Comal Independent School District. ``In order to understand where you are going, you must first understand where you have been.'' This proverb teaches us a great lesson; we must understand the heritage and history of our nation before we can begin to understand ourselves. American history teachers help our nation's children get a better understanding of who they are by letting them know where they came from. Steve Foster teaches eighth- grade American History and is a great example of a teacher who finds new and innovative ways to engage students in learning about their nation's history. By captivating students about their own history, Mr. Foster lets his students get a better understanding of themselves. He describes the environment promoted in his classroom as one where ``all students can learn about history while they learn to develop.'' Through his great commitment to his students, Mr. Foster has reached out to students not only as a teacher but also as a friend. Steve Foster received his Bachelor's degree from Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, Texas. He has taught at Valley Middle School for eight years now and has been an irreplaceable asset to the school and the community. It is with great honor that I recognize him for his commitment.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Stacey Robinett, Rebecca Creek Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Stacey Robinett holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Texas Wesleyan University. In her 11 years of teaching, she has established herself as one of her district's leading educators. Ms. Robinett enjoys the challenge of teaching her young students a subject which will be crucial for their future success. This is why Ms. Robinett teaches fifth-grade math for the Comal Independent School District. Ms. Robinett says that she is motivated by belief in what she is doing, and a constant desire to improve her methods. She sees teaching as a position of trust, and is proud to be responsible for the growth and happiness of her young students. Stacey Robinett is an exemplary educator. Her energy and commitment to her students are an example for teachers everywhere, and a credit to the Comal Independent School District. She has accomplished a great deal already, and she has a bright future in education ahead of her. I am pleased to have the chance to recognize her accomplishments here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Ike and Doris Epstein, Junior Achievement of Laredo Business Hall of Fame Laureates. Ike and Doris Epstein are a true American success story. When Ike started his business, Dr. Ike's, it had one location and an inventory of only $10,000. Today, his business has grown to three locations, with a value of almost $8 million. Ike and Doris met at the University of Texas in 1951, when they were both attending undergraduate school. They were married in 1955. Ike went into business for himself in 1958, after serving in the U.S. Army in Okinawa, and Doris opened her own business, Globetrotter of Laredo Travel Agency, in 1979. Both of the Epsteins believe in treating their customers and employees like family. It is their own family, however, that they are proudest of. They have two children, Clayton and Karen, and four grandchildren. In spite of both work and family obligations, the Epsteins have also found the time to be enthusiastic community volunteers. The Women's City Club, Pennies for Tennies, Crimestoppers, the Salvation Army, and the United Way are only a few of the organizations that they have supported over the years. Ike and Doris Epstein are a great success story, and a great team. They are an example for the rest of us of the power of hard work and dedication, and of the importance of treating other people like members of your own family. They are an important part of what makes Laredo such a great city, and I am proud to have had the chance to honor them here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Mary Silvers, Mt. Valley School Teacher of the Year. Mary Silvers holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently runs the Title I reading program at Mt. Valley School in the Comal Independent School District. Ms. Silvers is not only in the business of teaching her children reading; she also teaches them good character and social skills. She seeks to teach her students tolerance, and the value of individual differences. She organizes her classroom into small cooperative groups, teaching her children how to work together as she teaches them how to read. Ms. Silvers wants her classroom to be a pleasant place to learn, a place where her students can feel safe and accepted. Her methods have brought her the recognition and thanks of her school and her community. Ms. Mary Silvers is an exceptional educator, and the message of cooperation and tolerance she brings to her students will stand them in good stead throughout their lives. I am proud to have had the chance to honor her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marjorie Clagett for her dedication to teaching the students at Goodwin Primary School in the Comal Independent School District. When someone thinks of a teacher, they most often think of someone who is in the classroom lecturing students about reading and arithmetic. Although this is what usually is expected of a teacher, some teachers commit themselves to students in other ways not as frequently seen in the typical classroom setting. Marjorie Clagett is a perfect example of someone who goes the additional mile to educate her students. Not only is she a great teacher to the students but she also serves as an advisor to them in any way she can. She is there for them to talk about any of the problems that they might be encountering in life and it is for this that she truly is a role model to them. Educated at Upper Iowa University and St. Mary's University, Mrs. Clagett has the knowledge and experience to help the students in her first grade class not only enrich their minds but also enrich their lives. Her dedication to her class is something that teachers around the world should view as an example of how not only to become a leader to students but also a trusted confidant. Citizens like Marjorie Clagett provide our nation's children with a teacher in the classroom while also being a friend and role-model to them. I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize Marjorie Clagett for her continuing service to the children of the Comal community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Debby Lawson for her dedication to teaching the students at Frazier Elementary in the Comal Independent School District. Today's students that go through our nation's public school systems have an innate right to be taught the necessary skills to tackle all the challenges they will encounter through the course of their lives. Teachers provide them with this right day after day and in Debby Lawson's case she has been doing this for 30 years now. Receiving her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Texas in Austin, she has been able to take these tools learned in the college classroom and turn them into results in the elementary classroom. The learning environment promoted by Mrs. Lawson is one that teaches the students the values of communication between themselves and their fellow students. Her second grade students are encouraged to ``support each other and celebrate the successes of their classmates.'' This provides our nation's children with the fundamentals to learning how to understand and work along side their peers, an invaluable asset to anyone no matter what age. Teachers like Debby Lawson give our nation's children the necessary foundations to help them forge their minds into tomorrow's greats. I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize Debby Lawson for her dedication to teaching our community's children.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Buddy Albro, Norma Krueger Elementary School Primary Campus Teacher of the Year. Mr. Albro decided to enter the profession of teaching relatively late in life. Previously, he had been a successful worker in the oil and gas industry. He decided that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of children, and went back to school at Southwest Texas State University, where he graduated with honors. He has now been a teacher with the Marion Independent School District for eight years, seven of which were spent teaching the third and fourth grades. Currently, he is the elementary physical education teacher for grades K-5. Mr. Albro believes that every child has the potential to do great things, and he works hard to make learning fun for his students. He believes that the most important component of an elementary education is becoming a good reader; this skill, he feels, sets the stage for a lifetime of success. Mr. Buddy Albro is an outstanding educator, dedicated to the welfare and happiness of the children of Marion. His dedication is a tremendous example for other educators, and I am happy to have the opportunity to honor him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Relay for Life, a charity event that has helped us in the war against cancer. The Relay for Life celebrates the survivors of cancer and further helps to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. It serves to bring people from every age group, religious denomination, political affiliation, and racial background together in the common cause of fighting cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 86,880 new cases of cancer will alter the lives of Texans this year. When we look at these numbers it is important to see past the statistics. This number of 86,880 represents 86,880 mothers, 86,880 fathers, sisters, brothers, best friends, and spouses. This number represents the people that we care about the most; this figure impacts our families. In keeping with my vow and promise to help keep our families strong and healthy, I am honored to provide the participants of this important event with both my presence and blessing. I thank all of you for your passionate dedication for family, friends, state, and nation.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Vandy D. Lawson for her dedication to teaching the students at the Comal Leadership Institute in the Comal Independent School District. Vandy D. Lawson received her bachelor's degree in math from the University of Northern Colorado in Greely and her master's in statistics from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Currently she is teaching students grades ninth through twelfth in the subject of math. Through her extraordinary teaching methods she is able to reach students and appeal to their interest like none other--this is what distinguishes her as a great teacher. The unique teaching style of Mrs. Lawson is one that the teachers of our Nation should regard as an example of how they can reach students in a more effective way. It is said that Mrs. Lawson ``looks at what she does every day as a being on a treasure hunt, uncovering great treasures and bringing them back to life.'' The students she teaches all benefit from Mrs. Lawson's continuous drive to reach each and every student to make sure they all receive as much assistance as possible. The math and sciences are two essential fields of study that students around the Nation need exposure to America's teachers like Mrs. Lawson, play the most vital role in ensuring students get taught the necessary skills to become tomorrow's leaders. I am honored to have this opportunity to distinguish Vandy D. Lawson for her dedication to the perseverance of knowledge in our community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Julian Monceaux, Hoffmann Lane Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Mr. Monceaux earned his Bachelor's Degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is a veteran educator, with more than 20 years of teaching experience. Currently, Mr. Monceaux is the Physical Education Teacher for children of all grade levels at Hoffman Lane Elementary School in the Comal Independent School District. Mr. Monceaux believes strongly in the power of physical education to improve the lives of his students. He believes that physical education should provide' ``opportunities for students to develop physically, mentally, and socially.'' The program he teaches includes information and training to promote physical fitness, wellness, nutrition, sportsmanship, motor and manipulative development, specific skills development, coordination, and good lifetime habits. Julian Monceaux has distinguished himself through his tireless service to the children of Hoffmann Lane Elementary School and the people of Comal. His work as a physical educator is critical to the health and well-being of his students, and I am happy to have the opportunity to honor him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Steve La Mantia, Junior Achievement of Laredo Business Hall of Fame Laureate. Mr. La Mantia grew up in McAllen, Texas, with his three brothers and sisters. He describes himself as having ``grown up farming'' on his family's farm on Mines Road. From an early age, he loved sports, and the persistence and competition that sports embody have become guiding values in his life. He graduated from McAllen high school, where he played football, and attended college at Texas A&M, where he served as a referee. As a businessman, Mr. La Mantia has been tremendously dedicated to giving back to the educational community. Since 1991, he has been raising money for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. In 2002, his family founded STARS: South Texas Academic Rising Scholars. STARS now provides students from the lower 22 counties of South Texas scholarship money to attend the college of their choice. Mr. La Mantia is one of his community's most successful businessmen, working as Vice President and part owner of L&F distributors in Laredo. His work is a testament to the power of family businesses to thrive and create growth for our communities. Mr. Steve La Mantia is a loyal Texan, a dedicated volunteer and philanthropist, and an exemplary businessman. I am happy that he has been chosen to receive the Laredo Junior Achievement Hall of Fame award, and I am proud to have had the chance to recognize him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Barbara Taylor for being named Norma Krueger Elementary School Karrer Campus Teacher of the Year. Ms. Taylor holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Houston, and a Masters in Special Education from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. She now teaches fifth grade science at the Marion Independent School District. Barbara Taylor believes that teaching is an ordinary-seeming profession that presents extraordinary opportunities to those willing to look. She asks herself every day what she can do to make a difference in the world, and in the lives of her students. She is known for seeking out teachable moments in which she can show her students a new way of seeing the world. Ms. Taylor believes that good teaching can be the foundation for extraordinary lives. This philosophy has led her to be one of her district's most energetic and dynamic educators. Ms. Barbara Taylor is an exemplary teacher, and a tremendous resource for the families and children of Marion, Texas. Her commitment to our children deserves our respect and thanks, and I am happy to have had the chance to recognize her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many, accomplishments of Celia Barragan, Canyon High School Teacher of the Year. Celia Barragan received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Texas State University in San Marcos. She currently teaches fourth grade in Comal Independent School District. With over twenty-eight years of experience in teaching, she understands the unique needs of our kids. She personally believes that the two most important qualities that can be nurtured are ``positive self-esteem'' and ``responsibility''. Teaching young people to place value in these virtues is important for skills and development later in life. With a long and distinguished career, Celia Barragan has helped generations of our students to excel in, school. ' I am proud to have this opportunity to honor the' contributions of Celia Barragan, the Canyon Intermediate School Teacher of the Year. Her many years of passionate service have been a blessing to the Comal community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Barbara Kemper-Nolan, Saegert sixth grade teacher. Ms. Kemper-Nolan is a sixth grade teacher specializing in resource math and language arts. She has two years of teaching experience in the Seguin Independent School District, five years as an instructional aide and one year as a substitute. With her short time at Saegert she has already started to make an impact on her students. Ms. Kemper-Nolan has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Counseling from Arizona State University, and a Special Education Alternative Certification in grades prekindergarten through twelve. When Ms. Kemper-Nolan was asked, ``why would someone choose to work with some of the most challenging students who are faced with daunting intellectual and emotional obstacles,'' she quickly replied that ``there is no greater feeling than watching the light go on in the eyes of a child, especially a child who has given up on him or herself . . . one teachable moment at a time.'' Through her initiative, energy, and audacity, Ms. Kemper-Nolan proves to be an exemplary teacher, and a blessing to the people in her community. She has an excellent career ahead of her, and I wish her the best of luck.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the countless contributions of Jennifer Henry to Marion Middle School. Jennifer Henry received her B.A. in Anthropology from Texas A&M University. She is currently furthering her education by pursuing her Master's in Secondary Education from Texas State University. Ms. Henry became interested in teaching while she was a student at Texas A&M. Her studies there convinced her that students need more than just information: they need to be taught how to study and learn. As a result of this insight, Ms. Henry strives to give her students the skills and habits of thought they will need to become successful lifelong learners. Ms. Henry's goal is to provide a safe, inviting, and engaging classroom environment. She aims to make her curriculum student- centered, and to take advantage of all the available technology resources to facilitate learning. She believes that students learn best from practical examples, and tries to connect learning with real-life applications as much as possible. Ms. Henry is an energetic and committed teacher, and her efforts have already made a positive impact on her school district and her students. She has a bright future ahead of her, and I am happy to have the chance to applaud her work here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Mary Joyce Young, Marion High School Teacher of the Year. Mary Joyce Young came to the profession of teaching late in life. She worked in a medical office for 25 years before returning to Southwest Texas State University to receive her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. She has taught at Marion High School since her graduation in 1988. Ms. Young believes in teaching her students more than facts and figures. She aims to teach them character traits that will benefit them for the rest of their lives: self-discipline, integrity, and fairness in the home and the workplace. She says that her work is to create well-rounded citizens, as well as successful students. Ms. Young teaches four subjects at Marion High School: Senior English, British Literature, Government-Economics, and Creative Writing. She loves her subjects, and works every day to teach her students to love them as well. Mary Joyce Young is an excellent educator, who has changed the lives of many Marion High School students for the better. She is a credit to her community, and a blessing to the people of Marion. I am proud to have had the chance to recognize her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the exemplary work of Diana Day, Bill Brown Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Diana Day earned her bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Texas A&I in Corpus Christi. Currently serving as a special education teacher in Comal Independent School District, she has over 9 years of experience. She teaches Behavior Life Skills to students in grades kindergarten through four, and believes in teaching her students how to solve problems. Each child is an individual, and Ms. Day believes that the best way to teach each of them is through a unique approach. She wants to help teach each of her students the joys of reading and learning on their own. Diana Day works hard empowering young minds and teaching them the skills that they need to be successful in school. I am honored to have the chance to recognize the accomplishments of Diana Day, the Bill Brown Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Her passion for education has helped to ensure that our children are on the right track.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the tremendous achievements of Blackstone Dilworth, Junior Achievement of Laredo Business Hall of Fame Laureate. Mr. Dilworth has been a proud resident of Live Oak County, Texas, for more than 50 years, but he has a special place in his heart for the people of Laredo, the city which he has made his second home. He began his career working as a farm and ranch appraiser in the border country. of Texas, an area in which his family has worked for many years. He has managed a series of successful businesses, including a number of ranching operations, oil and gas concerns, a telecommunications construction company, and property development. Throughout his career, he has relied on his belief that opportunity is everywhere, for those who are willing to look. He is known to say: ``In every problem, somewhere hidden is an opportunity.'' Mr. Dilworth loves to travel, and has a deep appreciation for the culture of South and Central America. He is a member of the Explorers Club of New York. He lives with his wife near Sandia, and has two children and three grandchildren. Through his initiative, energy, and audacity, Mr. Blackstone Dilworth has contributed enormously to Texas' economic health and vitality. He is a pillar of the business community, and a model for entrepreneurs everywhere, and I am pleased to have the chance to honor him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the numerous accomplishments of Donna Williams, Canyon High School Teacher of the Year. Donna Williams earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Texas State University in San Marcos. She currently works as an Algebra II and Precalculus teacher in the Comal Independent School District. Donna Williams believes that creative teaching methods work best for teaching math, especially in grades nine through twelve. Her approach is self-described as ``open, loud and fun,'' allowing for an atmosphere that is friendly and conducive to learning. She also spends her time teaching leadership skills and sponsoring the Student Council. Leadership and mathematics are two of the most important skills for success in later life, and Donna Williams works hard to ensure that our kids get the education that they need for success. It is an honor to recognize the accomplishments of Donna Williams, Canyon High School Teacher of the Year. Her unique perspective on learning helps to make Comal Independent School District a better place for our students to learn.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Stef Paramoure, Canyon Middle School Teacher of the Year. Stef Paramoure received her Bachelor's degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from Texas Lutheran University in Seguin Texas. She is a bright young star in the Comal Independent School District, having taught for only three years before receiving the prestigious Teacher of the Year award. Working as a seventh grade science teacher has its challenges, but Stef Paramoure is ready to embrace each new day with optimism and enthusiasm. Putting the students first, she works hard to give them the quality of education that they deserve. She believes strongly in taking a practical approach to learning science. Ms. Paramoure strives to connect the personal lives and experiences of her students to the subject that she is teaching. Though concentrating on a personalized approach, she is able to make science applicable, useful, and understandable to her students. I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the skill and accomplishments of one of Comal Independent School District's newest stars. Her recognition as Teacher of the Year is an excellent start to an already distinguished career.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Susan Hartley, Burges Discipline Alternative School Teacher of the Year. Ms. Hartley has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from Arizona State University, and a Teacher Certification from Ottawa University. She is a relatively new teacher--she has been teaching for 5 years, all of them spent at the Seguin Independent School District. Ms. Hartley teaches Science and Health to grades 7 through 12. She deals with what can often be a difficult and stressful job in a counterintuitive way: her goal is to make school fun, for herself and her students. She believes that students learn best when they are enjoying themselves. Her at-risk students are often disconnected from the school or community. She feels that her role is to help these students find ways to reconnect with others. Students who feel like they are part of the community are less likely to be in trouble, and more likely to go on to a successful future. Ms. Hartley's work with at-risk youth has already distinguished her as one of her school district's most valuable teachers. In her 5 years, she has made a difference in the life of many students, and in the life of her community. She has a bright future ahead of her, and I am happy to have had this opportunity to recognize her.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Amanda Jenner, Briesemeister Middle School Teacher of the Year. Amanda Jenner received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a specialization in math from Southwest State University. Ms. Jenner, who is also a former graduate of Seguin High School, understands the unique needs of her students. She prefers to look at every new day as an opportunity to learn from new experiences. As a teacher, she encourages her students to look at life's challenges in new and creative ways. Math is important for success in later life, and Ms. Jenner believes that it is important to make the subject practical and even fun. She believes in the importance of having a good sense of humor and reaching students on a personal level. I am proud to have had the chance to recognize Briesemeister Middle School's Teacher of the Year, Amanda Jenner. Her unique teaching style and personal approach help to create a healthy learning atmosphere for our children.