Floor Statements

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. 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. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Wendy McCuiston, Smithson Valley High School Teacher of the Year.

Wendy McCuiston holds a B.A. from New Mexico State University at Las Cruces, and a Master's degree from Texas A&M University. She has had an outstanding career in education, with more than 27 years of teaching experience.

Ms. McCuiston teaches 9th through 12th grade Family and Consumer Science at Smithson Valley High School in the Comal Independent School District. She is committed to teaching her students the practical skills that will stand them in good stead in later life.

She has distinguished herself as a warm and supportive presence in the classroom. Asked about her teaching philosophy, she summarizes it this way: ``Treat people with respect, let them know you value them as an individual, and most of all show them you care.''

Wendy McCuiston is an outstanding teacher, and her career has been filled with countless accomplishments, of which this award is only the most recent. She is a credit and a blessing to her community, and I am proud to have the opportunity to honor her here today.

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. 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. Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding dedication of Becky Stich, Comal Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

After earning a Bachelor's degree from Texas State University in San Marcos, Becky Stich began a committed career in helping children. She has been teaching special education in Comal ISD for 14 years. Currently, she is a Behavior Resource teacher for all grades, kindergarten through 6th grade, at the Comal Elementary School.

As a Behavior Resource teacher, Stich helps manage behavioral problems at school and provides a safe nurturing environment for the children. She also helps the administration identify and implement appropriate behavior management ideas at school.

She summarizes her teaching philosophy this way: ``One belief that I now hold is that teaching (and behavioral management) requires doing things with kids, and not to them.'' Stich understands that students need to have a voice in their own education. As an educator, she realizes the importance in watching, observing, and taking cues directly from the children. It is this philosophy that has allowed Becky Stich to become such a welcoming and great resource for children and educators alike.

Her attitude and dedication to children is an inspiration to the rest of the community. I am honored today to have had the opportunity to recognize her many contributions as an educator in the Comal ISD.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.