Marco Rubio

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Paul Richardson, the Bay County Teacher of the Year at Tom P. Haney Technical Center in Callaway, FL. Paul is an instructor in welding technology and teaches the foundational program at Tom P. Haney Technical Center. His class covers a broad base of knowledge and skills such as management, environmental issues, and safety. Paul's goal is to prepare students for employment in the welding industry. He also instructs advanced welding technology for students who have demonstrated a mastery of his foundational program. Paul is the first instructor at Tom P. Haney Technical Center to receive this award. It is also the first time Bay County has named a technical school teacher ``Teacher of the Year.'' Paul credited his colleagues for this achievement, noting their combined work helps students with their education. He was thankful to see that the importance of technical education was recognized. I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Paul for his dedication to his students, and I look forward to hearing of his continued good work in the years ahead.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I am pleased to honor Vanessa Valle, the Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year at Hialeah Gardens High School in Hialeah Gardens, FL. While in high school, one of Vanessa's teachers inspired her to become a teacher. Since then, she has dedicated her life to educate and transform the lives of students, similar to how hers was changed. Vanessa considers her job to be more than just teaching and imparting knowledge onto her students. She also seeks to bring empathy to the classroom and commits to helping turn their dreams into reality. Vanessa's colleagues note she is always willing to go the extra mile to help not only her students, but also her fellow teachers. Vanessa teaches English to students of all levels at Hialeah Gardens High School and has taught for more than 15 years. She also serves as the lead teacher for the school's academy of law studies, is a literacy coach, and is the chair of the reading department. She currently is studying to earn her doctorate degree in English education at Florida International University. I would like to thank Vanessa for her dedication and look forward to hearing of her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Ryan Mitchell, the Hamilton County Teacher of the Year from Hamilton County High School in Jasper, FL. Ryan is an instructional coach at Hamilton County High School and has worked with Hamilton County Schools since 2018. He assists middle school and high school teachers with instructional modeling, lessons and planning, and demonstrating various methods of teaching. He also monitors students' progress from within the schools. Ryan believes he would not have received this award if not for the support of his family and friends. He is grateful for the countless relationships he has developed in Hamilton County and throughout Florida. It is these relationships that have made him the teacher he is today. Ryan is also very thankful for his students and considers it an honor to be their teacher. Each day, he looks forward to teaching his students, knowing they are the next generation of future leaders. Ryan makes sure he is available to answer all of his student's questions, and he hopes they learn half as much from him as he learns from them. I offer my sincere gratitude to Ryan for his work to help students. I look forward to hearing of his continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Kirk Tapley, the Alachua County Teacher of the Year at Howard Bishop Middle School in Gainesville, FL. Kirk teaches advanced world history at Howard Bishop Middle School, where he was once a student. He considers it a privilege to teach in the same classroom where he first learned world history. His desire to give back to the school district that gave to him led Kirk to pursue his teaching career in Alachua County. Colleagues know Kirk for his unconventional approach to teaching. To conduct review sessions, Kirk performs his own adaptations to popular songs, where he replaces well-known lyrics with history lessons as a way of helping students to retain what they are learning. I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to Kirk for his passion to teach and engage his students and extend my best wishes for his continued success.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Nicole Thornton, the Levy County Teacher of the Year at Bronson Middle/High School in Bronson, FL. Nicole possesses a ``nothing-is-impossible'' mentality and a ``will- do'' attitude when advising students of opportunities in and outside of the classroom. As a guidance counselor, Nicole understands the challenges that students face upon graduation, and she works hard to ensure they are prepared. She advises her students on their future academics, as she is passionate about secondary school education. Nicole is always looking to providing a path for students to develop socially and emotionally. Nicole has more than 15 years of experience in education administration, including leadership and teaching positions. She has been at Bronson Middle/High School since 2018. She previously worked as an assistant principal in Ocala, FL. Nicole earned her doctorate in education from Walden University in 2013 and her master of education from National-Louis University and 2007. I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Nicole for her dedication to students, and I offer my best wishes for her continued success in the coming years.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I have the privilege to honor Samantha Hower, the Lee County Teacher of the Year from Mariner High School in Cape Coral, FL. Samantha is the Visual Arts Teacher at Mariner High School and has worked for 7 years in the Lee County School District. Under Samantha's leadership, the school's STEM Academy has become the STEAM Academy, with an art curriculum added to science, technology, engineering, and math. She also began the school's first National Art Honor Society and supports nearby elementary and middle school art programs. Samantha holds that an education is able to transform a child's entire life. She urges her students to ask the question why: Why do they like something, and why do they do what they do? She does this until they begin to ask these questions themselves. When this happens, Samantha knows they have found comfort in taking risks. While Samantha always wants her students to do their best and earn good grades, she strives for them to walk out of her classroom knowing how to think and respond to circumstances with prudence. Since opening her advanced placement classes to all students 2 years ago, her students have produced the highest AP 2D studio art scores in the school district. Her goal is to prepare her students for college and careers through gaining experience and developing skills above and beyond their peers. I am pleased to recognize Samantha for her hard work. I extend to her my warmest regards, and I look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I am pleased to recognize Michelle Coolican, the Flagler County Teacher of the Year from Buddy Taylor Middle School in Palm Coast, FL. Michelle believes the Teacher of the Year award goes beyond her personal achievement; she considers it an honor for the entire teaching profession. She credits her colleagues, the school's administration for its learning environment, and the students she works with every day for this recognition. Superintendent Jim Tager noted Michelle's ability to connect with her students by promoting learning through community projects and classroom experiments. She enjoys making her students excited to study science, and they have learned to expect a new project each time they enter her classroom. Michelle has taught science for 13 years at Buddy Taylor Middle School. She also serves as an adviser for the school's after-school STEM club. I extend my best wishes to Michelle for receiving this award and look forward to hearing of her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Syndie White, the Palm Beach County Teacher of the Year at Elbridge Gale Elementary School in Wellington, FL. Syndie is a math, science, and social studies teacher for third graders at Elbridge Gale Elementary School. She also tutors struggling students, leads an engineering club, runs a robotics program, and dedicates her spare time to mentoring young women at her school and at church. Syndie credits her success to her father. Watching his hard work ethic for more than 30 years taught her that anything is possible for her to achieve. She works to bring passion and hard work, not only to her classroom, but also to extracurricular school activities she undertakes. Syndie's colleagues consider her the epitome of what a teacher should be. She engages with her students in the classroom and views being their teacher as a privilege for her own sake, instead of as a job or seeking special recognition. I extend my sincere thanks to Syndie for her hard work and dedication to students. I look forward to hearing of her continued good work in the coming years.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Jonathan Motta, the Osceola County Teacher of the Year at NeoCity Academy in Kissimmee, FL. Jonathan believes it is important that his students be prepared for life after high school and challenges them to apply the principles they learn after they leave his classroom. He works to incorporate upper level math into practical business models, technology, and other areas that are important to students. He considers this integration to be the most rewarding part of his work. Jonathan also seeks to fill what he views as a gap in the traditional teaching format by teaching his students other life skills, such as organization and public speaking. Jonathan finds the unique environment and approach to learning at NeoCity Academy to be a great place for his teaching style. He teaches mathematics and has incorporated a variety of concepts to students in Osceola County for the past 7 years. During his tenure, he developed a project-based learning curriculum that creates assignments involving real-world scenarios such as architecture, finance, design and manufacturing, and health. I thank Jonathan for his passion and creative efforts to implement a lifelong approach to learning. I wish him all the best in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I am pleased to recognize Karen Neads, the DeSoto County Teacher of the Year from Memorial Elementary School in Arcadia, FL. At Memorial Elementary School, Karen strives to develop a positive environment in which she is able to motivate her students. As she prefers to teach in a way where she is more behind the scenes than upfront, Karen was shocked to receive this important recognition. She credits her colleagues and administrators on their work to help teach the school's youngest students to her success. Karen was named Teacher of the Year in her 25th year of teaching, all of which she has taught kindergarten and in DeSoto County. Her favorite aspect of teaching is watching her students grow throughout the year. She notes they enter her classroom with a blank slate and, by the end of the school year, are able to read and write. I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Karen for her dedication to her students, and I look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I am pleased to honor Jacob Poelma, the Monroe County Teacher of the Year from Coral Shores High School in Tavernier, FL. Jacob believes that, as a teacher, his impact is greater than the sum of his students' test scores and homework grades. He strives to honor a student's individuality while fostering a sense of community in the classroom. He knows that every student has a unique story and focuses on tailoring his teaching to engage each student in the best way they are able to learn. Jacob works to provide real-time language translations of his lectures so all of his students can master the material in their native language. Jacob has taught biology in Monroe County for 4 years. He works with students in and out of the classroom by offering personalized teaching and mentorship opportunities, sponsors Coral Shores High School's Gaming Club, announces sporting events, and volunteers at extracurricular and other community activities. I extend my deepest gratitude to Jacob for his dedication to his students and efforts to improve the learning experience. I look forward to hearing of his continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Kathleen Ruling, the Union County Teacher of the Year from Lake Butler Elementary School in Lake Butler, FL. Kathy believes that every child is worthy of respect, as they have a unique story to tell. She views her job not as a line of work, but a place where she is preparing each student for their future. Her colleagues describe her as having a natural gift for teaching and working with children. Whether by creating hands-on classroom experiences or diligently tracking each child's progress, Kathy supports her student's educational careers and is always willing to help, even after they leave her classroom. As an elementary special education teacher for 38 years, Kathy has left a lasting legacy in Union County. In 1985, she implemented the staggered start program for kindergarteners. In 1990, she founded the Tiger Cubs, a club that recognizes students for their positive attitude and encouragement to peers. Both of these programs are still in effect in the county. I express my sincere appreciation to Kathy for her many accomplishments and years of service to her students. I wish her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Devon LaMonica, the Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year at Fort Walton Beach High School in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Teaching was not the career Devon imagined for herself when studying forensic science biochemistry at the University of Central Florida, but now she cannot imagine any other career for herself. Devon loves the opportunity to ignite a passion for science in her students and views teaching as a joy. She launched the biomedical science program at Fort Walton Beach High School and continues to teach the entire program. Devon earned her master's degree in education at the University of West Florida and returned to work as an educator at Fort Walton Beach High School, her own alma mater. She is nationally recognized as a Biomedical Science Master Teacher and trains new teachers in this field across our Nation. She has been a teacher for 13 years. I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Devon for her work to teach her students. I look forward to learning of her continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Faith Bench, the Manatee County Teacher of the Year at Braden River Middle School in Bradenton, FL. Faith has a special bond with her students who struggle with math. That is because she struggled with the subject when she was in school. She understands those who hate the subject at the beginning of the year and finds it deeply fulfilling to help grow each student's problem- solving skills by the time they leave her class with greater confidence and appreciation for the subject. Faith's colleagues note that she works hard to make learning fun and engaging for her students each year. She is committed to tailoring her lesson plans to suit the individual needs of every student. In turn, Faith is inspired by her colleagues and believes that their work together is the key to an educator's best work. Faith teaches mathematics to seventh grade students at Braden River Middle School. Teaching is her passion, and she wants to help her students accomplish their dreams. I thank Faith for the good work she has done for her students over the years. I look forward to learning of her continued good work in the coming years.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Elizabeth Mann, the Santa Rosa County Teacher of the Year at Oriole Beach Elementary School in Oriole Beach, FL. Elizabeth believes children learn best when they are working together. She provides opportunities throughout the school year for her students to team up with one another to accomplish a goal. She accepts each student for who they are and holds high expectations, viewing their small victories as the most rewarding part of her work. Whether it is their first time counting to 20 or helping a friend, she believes these moments make her job fulfilling. Elizabeth comes from a family of educators. Both her parents were teachers and instilled in her the drive to help others. Her colleagues consider her to be every parent's dream teacher for their child because of her dedication to the children's success. Elizabeth is a student education inclusion teacher for first grade at Oriole Beach Elementary School. She works with special needs students throughout the school year and offers group and one-on-one instruction across all subject areas. I am grateful for Elizabeth's great work with her students. I extend my best wishes to her and look forward to learning of her continued good work in her future endeavors.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Kelli McGahey, the Putnam County Teacher of the Year at James A. Long Elementary School in Palatka, FL. Kelli's colleagues note that she has an innate ability to connect with students struggling academically or developmentally. She often spends extra time helping those students better understand assignments. Kelli seeks to impart her love for reading to her students and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of avid readers. Kelli has taught first grade at James A. Long Elementary School for 6 years. While Kelli was surprised to learn that she received this prestigious recognition, her students and colleagues consider her an inspiration and know it was well deserved. I would like to thank Kelli for the good work she has done for her students and extend my best wishes to her. I look forward to hearing of her continued success.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I am pleased to honor Josie Stumpf, the Volusia County Teacher of the Year at Holly Hill School in Holly Hill, FL. Josie teaches fifth grade and has taught in Volusia County for nearly 20 years. She credits her success to Daytona Beach mayor Derrick Henry, who was her 11th grade teacher. She says Mayor Henry changed the course of her life, as it was not until she was in his class, where music and energy were incorporated into his lessons, that she realized learning could be fun. This motivated her to inspire others in the same way that he inspired her. Josie strives to keep learning fun. An example of her creative teaching includes transforming her classroom to mimic a campground, a cafe, and many other different environments to better engage her students in the learning process. Josie's colleagues admire her seemingly natural ability to relate to students, which has inspired them to follow her lead. Josie's enthusiasm for education extends beyond her own classroom, where she has been known to develop curriculum modules for language arts and regularly helps other teachers. I extend my best wishes and gratitude to Josie for her dedication to students for nearly two decades, and I look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Kathy Hamilton- Brown, the Brevard County Teacher of the Year at Endeavor Elementary School in Cocoa, FL. Kathy credits her success to her fellow teachers in Brevard County. She notes that her school is like her family: a home away from home. To Kathy, teaching is more than just a job. She believes her students are our Nation's future leaders, and she is committed to making a difference in each of their lives. Kathy's life experiences influenced her to become a teacher and care for her students. She feels indebted to the support system of family and friends who guided her at a young age. She hopes to inspire her students to do something great with their lives after they leave her classroom. Colleagues note that Kathy is a fierce advocate for students, working to ensure they succeed both socially and academically. Due in large part to her innovative efforts, Kathy's school saw a 61-percent reduction in disciplinary referrals, as well as an increase in overall student attendance. Kathy is a prekindergarten through sixth grade teacher at Endeavor Elementary School. She has been with Brevard Public Schools for 21 years. Outside of the classroom, she serves on the community partnership school operations team and works with Endeavor's business partners throughout the community. I would like to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Kathy for her commitment to the education of her students. I look forward to hearing of her continued good work in the coming years.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I am pleased to honor William Furiosi, the Seminole County Teacher of the Year at Oviedo High School in Oviedo, FL. William has taught AP biology, chemistry, and experimental research at Oviedo High School for the past 17 years. William aims to create a positive environment for students to think critically while studying science. He enjoys breaking down complex scientific theories to help them better understand the component ideas behind what they are learning. At the Seminole County Science Fair this year, 12 of his student's science projects placed, with six first places, four second places, and two third places. His students say they benefit from his teaching style, finding it relatable and exciting during their classes. I thank William for the good work he has done for his students over the years. I wish him all the best and look forward to learning of his continued success in the coming years.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Evan Gould, the Clay County Teacher of the Year from Lake Asbury Junior High School in Green Cove Springs, FL. Evan felt honored and humbled to represent Clay County as he considers himself just one of the many high-quality educators teaching in the region. He relishes opportunities for his students to participate at district and State competitions as he takes great pride in their superior and award-winning performances. His music and drama programs are highly regarded in Florida and generate great interest throughout the county. Evan has been a teacher for 30 years, with 22 years in Clay County. Outside of the classroom, Evan dedicates his time and talents to giving back to his community. He cofounded the Clay All-County Elementary Chorus, as well as The 5 & Dime Theatre Company. Evan also serves as the chair of District 1 Junior Thespians, which hosts an annual festival that brings in more than 500 drama students from across the region. I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Evan for his many years working as a teacher and helping countless students fulfill their drama and musical ambitions. I look forward to learning of his continued success in the coming years.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Joli Hartzog, the Washington County Teacher of the Year at Florida Panhandle Technical College in Chipley, FL. Joli has been a teacher for more than 26 years. She is the adult education director and instructor for the Florida Panhandle Technical College and offers instruction for several programs at the school. Joli teaches all levels of students, including those seeking high school equivalency, professional testing preparation, personal enrichment, or other specialized certification. Enrollment at Florida Panhandle Technical College remains open throughout the year so the environment and format of Joli's class is ever-changing. She works with students ranging from 16 to 66 years old who are working towards their GED, and she is able to modify her teaching style to match the composition of the current class. She is willing to meet with her students anytime, whether when they arrive in her classroom, after class, or by appointment. Joli finds the best part of teaching to be the family she has found at the school. She enjoys working with her fellow instructors and faculty and says they all work as a team. Joli considers this family to extend to her students and loves that she is able to help them achieve their life dreams. I offer my sincere gratitude to Joli for her dedication to her students and extend my best wishes on her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Keri Hemrick, the Collier County Teacher of the Year at Gulf Coast High School in Naples, FL. Keri believes motivating her students to impact their community is one of the most important commitments she makes as a teacher. She aims to lead each student, whether they have a disability or a gift, towards increasing their achievements in school. She works to ensure their success upon leaving her classroom. Keri's students were excited to learn that she had received this award. They were proud to see her recognized for representing the family-like environment she cultivated in their classroom. Many students have credited her for helping them to understand the new subjects throughout the school year. Keri is an exceptional education co-teacher, case manager, and chair of the exceptional student education department at Gulf Coast High School. She dedicates her life to making a difference by engaging her students with special instruction and services. I extend my best wishes to Keri for her dedication to her students and her community and congratulate her on this award.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I honor Euan Hunter, the Marion County Teacher of the Year at Vanguard High School in Ocala, FL. Euan believes that learning is a lifelong endeavor not only for his students, but also for himself. He enjoys working with other teachers in the school district and works to utilize the teaching experience to make the learning of chemistry as real, enjoyable, and successful as he can for his students. Euan believes he is fortunate to have taught chemistry to students of different age groups under a variety of curricula in England, Scotland, New York City, and now in Ocala. He looks forward to bringing chemistry to life so students can enjoy the learning process. Euan currently teaches chemistry at Vanguard High School and has taught students around the world for 16 years. He received his degree in chemistry from the University of Edinburgh and studied to be a chemistry teacher at a university in England. Euan taught chemistry and general science in England and Scotland for 10 years and was an adviser to the Scottish Government on chemistry curriculum and assessment qualifications for students. After marrying his wife, they moved to New York City, where he taught at a middle school, before moving to Ocala. I am grateful for Euan's hard work in educating students and enabling them to succeed. I wish all the best to him and look forward to learning of his continued good work in the coming years.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I am pleased to recognize Whitney Jones, the Nassau County Teacher of the Year from Wildlight Elementary School in Yulee, FL. Whitney became a teacher to make a difference in the lives of students by helping them to develop a passion for learning. Her teaching philosophy is that students will work hard when they are shown love and respect. She finds it humbling to watch her students grow and successfully learn new class subjects throughout the school year. Whitney considers her role in her students' lives to be one that offers encouragement, guidance, and compassion. She works with her colleagues to implement new teaching strategies and plans standards- based lessons to ensure students are prepared for the third grade when they leave her classroom. Whitney began her teaching career at Yulee Primary School, teaching there for 5 years before becoming a second grade teacher at Wildlight Elementary School, where she has taught for the past 2 years as a team leader and grade level chair. She is also on her school's action plan team, which works to create plans to help the lowest quartile students improve in school. I extend my best wishes to Whitney for her good work as a teacher and look forward to hearing of her continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. RUBIO

Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Jae Glass, the Gulf County Teacher of the Year at Port St. Joe High School in Port St. Joe, FL. Jae teaches seventh grade English language arts and a ninth grade intensive reading class at her alma mater, Port St. Joe High School, where she has taught for 8 years. Jae dedicates her time to being a positive role model for her students by engaging with them each day in her classroom. Throughout the school year, her students participate in more than traditional learning lectures. An example of an alternative activity includes her ``book tasting day,'' which allows students to snack at picnic tables while sampling from an array of books. Jae believes it is important to make English relatable and fun to her students. She encourages them to use reading and writing as a creative means of expression. She also works to help students that do not speak English as a first language by securing additional materials for her school. I convey my sincere gratitude to Jae for her devotion to helping her students succeed in their future endeavors. I look forward to hearing of her continued success.