Floor Statements

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Kimberly Brann, Barnes Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Kimberly Brann graduated from Southwest Texas State University, receiving her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance.

She has ten years of experience working in the business world. Ms. Brann worked in both commercial banking in San Antonio and investment banking in New York before becoming a teacher. Her unique and practical perspective helps to prepare our students for acquiring the skills they need for success.

Kimberly Brann has spent the last eight years teaching. She currently works at Seguin Independent School District, teaching math at Barnes Middle School. Having formerly taught fourth grade in the same district, she has watched some of her former students grow up through middle school.

It is an honor to recognize the accomplishments of Kimberly Brann. Her passion for education helps to insure that our students receive excellent and practical training that will help them succeed in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of Lytle Independent School District Superintendent Michelle Carroll Smith.

Ms. Smith is a product of her hometown school system. She was raised on a farm in Lytle, Texas and graduated from Lytle high school. She graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Then, after completing her Master's degree in Education Administration, she became Principal at the elementary school. She later became Assistant Superintendent, and in December 2002, she became the Superintendent of Lytle Independent School District.

Ms. Smith's family has been in the Lytle school district for many years: her father Alfred Carroll graduated in 1961, and her grandmother Theresa Carroll graduated in 1940 from Lytle High School. Her children Trenton and Macy also plan to carry on the family tradition and graduate from Lytle High School in 2013 and 2016.

Mr. Speaker, Lytle Independent School District Superintendent Michelle Carroll Smith is a model of community involvement, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to publicly thank her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees Member Jose Valdez.

Jose A. Valdez has a long and distinguished career in public service. He is a previous member of the City Council of Laredo, and is active in community governance in a variety of ways.

He promotes community involvement by seniors as the South Texas Coordinator of RSVP, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Through his work, seniors have been given a way to continue to contribute to the community in their retirement, improving their quality of life and the quality of life of all those around them.

Mr. Valdez has also been an advocate for a population that is too often forgotten by government: migrant workers. He has been Deputy Director of the Texas Migrant Council, and Executive Director of the Minnesota Migrant Council.

The Laredo Independent School District now benefits from Mr. Valdez' experience and energy, as he continues his work as a Board of Trustees Member. Mr. Valdez has had an exemplary career in public service and volunteer work. He is a credit to his community, and I am proud to have had the chance to recognize him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Frio Precinct Four County Commissioner Jose ``Pepe'' Flores.

Mr. Flores has a strong and varied background in public service. He graduated from Dilley High School, and from SuI Ross University in 1970 with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. He subsequently received his certification as a Medical Technician.

He has worked as a drug abuse counselor, a college teacher at the University of Texas, and a Halliburton Oilfield Engineer, among other professions. He has also been part of several important community organizations, including the Tax Appraisal District, the Rio Grande Water District, and the Dilley Independent School District School Board.

Mr. Flores now serves the public as County Commissioner for Frio County. He owns and operates a ranch in South Texas, and is married to Jennifer Flores, with whom he has two children.

Mr. Flores has distinguished himself as an energetic, hardworking, and versatile businessman and public servant.

The city of Dilley and the people of Frio County have benefited greatly from the work he has done, and I am proud to have the chance to thank him here today.

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.