Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Judi Steele, a dedicated educator, consultant, and advisor whose outstanding work in the classroom and throughout the community has motivated the Clark County School District to name an elementary school in her honor.

Judi began her distinguished career as an educator in 1965 when she taught 5th and 6th grade at P.S. 171 in East Harlem, New York.

In 1969, Ms. Steele began her long career with the Clark County School District as a teacher at C.V.T. Gilbert Prestige School. Throughout her career with the Clark County School District, Judi's work proved vital as she was integral to the implementation and the success of several educational programs designed to improve academic achievements and opportunities for students of all abilities.

During her time with the Clark County School District, Judi served as an integration consultant with the Intergroup Education Department, team leader for Teacher Corps, the first teacher of CCSD's Academically Talented Program and coordinator of the district's first Child Find. Judi was also the director of the Special Education Programs and Services for the Clark County School District. Among her achievements in this capacity, Ms. Steele created and executed district-wide procedures and staff development activities for principals, teachers, parents, and special student services staff to allow these educators to better serve students. She also devised district-wide programs to cater to the specific needs and requirements of the visually, orally and emotionally handicapped, learning disabled and academically talented students.

Judi also worked as the manager of the Officer of Development and Education Improvement for the Clark County School District while serving as the executive director of the Clark County Public Education Foundation, which is a non-profit corporation dedicated to improving the quality of Clark County's public schools. In 2001, Judi retired from the Clark County School District to become the president and chief professional officer of the Public Education Foundation. Under her guidance, the Foundation has raised approximately $40 million and has instituted numerous vital programs including: Clark County READS, the Interact Online Learning Community, and the Teacher Exchange.

Judi's excellence in the field of education has gained widespread recognition as she has served on the board of the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association. She was also a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Council of Exceptional Children, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the National Council of Administrative Women in Education, the Committee to Eliminate Racism in the Public Schools, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In Nevada, Judi has served on the board of directors of the Allied Arts Council, the National Alliance for Arts Education, the Nevada Association for the Handicapped, the Nevada Institute for Contemporary Arts, the New Horizon Academy, the Southern Nevada Administrative Women in Education, and the Summerlin Children's Forum.

Today, Judi continues to actively serve the community as the founder and president of the Arts Council of Henderson. She also sits on the advisory councils of the Nevada Ballet Theatre, the Nevada Public Education Foundation, CLASS! Publications, and the Clark County School District's School Community Partnership Program. Judi's distinguished career has earned her numerous awards and honors including the James Stuart McPhee Memorial Intellectual Freedom Award, the Governor's Arts Recognition Award, the Community Leaders of America Award, and the City of Henderson Community Achievement Award.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor my friend Judi Steele and her many achievements. Her dedication to the community is commendable and I wish Judi continued success in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Clark High School for being recognized as one of the nation's premier high schools for its Advanced Placement courses.

Clark High School was recently honored as a recipient of the 2006- 2007 Siemens Foundation Award for Advanced Placement, making Clark High School one of only 50 high schools nationwide to receive this recognition. The Siemens Awards were established in 1998 to strengthen the quality of math, science and technology aptitude within our nation's schools and to identify the partnership between the Siemens Foundation and the College Board. Clark High School was chosen as one of this year's recipients for its commitment to their students and the school's leadership in Advanced Placement participation and performance.

Edward W. Clark High School opened its doors to Las Vegas students in the fall of 1965 with the Space Age student in mind. The Clark County School Board designed and constructed the building to provide each student with the right type of atmosphere for learning. The school's mission statement focuses on

the preparation of each student to pursue lifelong learning. In the Curriculum and Professional Development Division of the Clark County School District, Clark High School is one of nine high schools in the district to offer magnet programs to its students which include The Academy for Mathematics, Science, Applied Technology; The Academy of Finance; and The Teacher Education Academy at Clark High.

The school's highly deserved recognition is for the admirable job the faculty of Clark High School, specifically those involved in the Academy of Mathematics, Science and Applied Technology Magnet Program, for their hard work in strengthening the math, science and technology education in their Advanced Placement classes. The faculty at Clark High School has truly done an exemplary job in preparing its students for the high tech workplace in today's global economy. For the incredible commitment they have made to the success of Academy of Mathematics, Science and Applied Technology Magnet Program, I would like to commend the following individuals: Shirley McLees, Sidney Lupu, Erin Buchner, Gabriele Ward, Nicholas Bean, Aaron Dehne, Brian Blank, Rosa Leathers, Cynthia McCoy, Nadine Gary, Donna Gonzalez, Manami Mata, Phil Bombino, Ron Jederberg, Jeff Lacoff, Brian Kahre, Leslie McNamara, and Roger West.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the Academy of Mathematics, Science and Applied Technology Magnet Program and the Advanced Placement teachers at Clark High School. Their recognition by the Siemens Foundation is truly honorable and is a direct result of the dedicated and expert faculty of the Program. I applaud their success and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Dottie Whitaker for her remarkable dedication to ending prescription narcotic abuse.

Dottie began her activism as a result of the tragic and untimely death of her beloved daughter, Tammie Armato. Tammie passed away on September 14, 2005, from an accidental prescription drug overdose. Tammie became addicted to prescription pain medication while being treated by a doctor for injuries she sustained in a car accident in 1995. The doctor she had been seeing at the time of her death was unfamiliar with Tammie's health history and gave her a large prescription of two different pain medications.

After Tammie's death, Dottie learned that prescription drug overdose is a nationwide epidemic. Three out of every five individuals who attend drug rehabilitation do so for prescription drug abuse. Additionally, more people die each year as a result of prescription drug overdoses than as a result of illegal drug overdoses. Inspired to do all she could to prevent others from experiencing the terrible loss that she has suffered, Dottie created Project Tammie. Project Tammie is an organization dedicated to combating accidental prescription narcotic overdose.

In an effort to save lives and prevent other individuals and families from suffering the effects of prescription drug addiction, Dottie has become a passionate advocate for a nationwide Prescription Monitoring Program. This program will allow doctors and practitioners to become familiar with a patient's prescription drug history, other prescribing physicians, pharmacies and pertinent information before prescribing narcotics. A number of states have already established statewide Prescription Monitoring Programs, but Dottie believes the only way to truly prevent prescription drug abuse and overdoses is to establish a nationwide program. Through Project Tammie, Dottie has worked tirelessly to create awareness and gain support for legislation that would require all states to set up Prescription Monitoring Programs. Dottie's hope is that this program would not only prevent patients from ``doctor shopping,'' but would also help practitioners recognize addiction and help patients seek treatment.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Dottie Whitaker for her efforts in organizing Project Tammie. In the face of a heartbreaking loss, she has chosen to make a difference and find a solution that will help others. She is an inspiring example of strength, courage and selflessness. Her dedication and tireless activism is truly commendable. I applaud her outstanding commitment to this important issue and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of my friend Estes McDoniel, a former Mayor of Henderson, Nevada and a Basic High School Principal.

Estes earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Arizona. After college, Mr. McDoniel moved to Henderson where he began his long and distinguished career in the Clark County School District as a teacher at Basic High School. Estes' teaching career was interrupted when he enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific theater off the coast of Okinawa, Japan during World War II.

Following his service, Estes returned to Basic High School where he continued his exemplary teaching service. Estes was a science teacher, vocational carpentry and industrial studies educator, head coach of the football, basketball, and track teams, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Estes' dedication to the community expanded beyond the walls of the classroom where in 1969 he was elected Mayor of Henderson, Nevada. In 1988, Estes' great service to the Clark County community was recognized when an elementary school was named in his honor.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and memory of my friend Estes McDoniel. His dedication to the Clark County community and the City of Henderson was commendable and should serve as an example to us all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lois and Jerry Tarkanian for their commitment and dedication to the Clark County community and congratulate them on being selected by the Clark County School Board to have a new middle school named in their honor.

Lois Tarkanian has been actively involved in a number of organizations dedicated to improving the lives of Nevadans. After receiving her Bachelors of Arts in education, a Master of Arts in Speech Pathology as well as a Doctorate in leadership and human behavior, a certificate in speech pathology, language, and audiology, Lois began a long and distinguished teaching career. She wanted to give more to her community and expand her knowledge as she worked as a speech pathologist, principal, central office administrator and as a college instructor both in Nevada and California. Lois has also served as a member of the Clark County Board of School Trustees for 12 years. In addition to her commitment to enriching the lives of her students, Lois has also conducted clinical work with autistic, deaf and aphasic children. Presently, Lois serves as the Las Vegas City Councilwoman in the 1st Ward, a position she has held since 2005, she also serves on the City of Las Vegas Real Estate Committee and Yucca Mountain Nuclear Repository Committee.

In addition to her professional success, Lois also has a number of philanthropic pursuits. She serves as a board member for the Catholic Charities, the Clark County Public Education Foundation, Family and Child Treatment Center for Abused Children and the Oralingua School for the Hearing Impaired. Lois has received a number of accolades as a result of her dedicated services, such as the Humanitarian of the Year by the Catholic Community Services, and the Distinguished Woman of Nevada and Citizen of the Year by the Nevada Family and Child Treatment Center.

Jerry Tarkanian played basketball for Fresno State and later earned his master's degree with honors in Educational Management. Along with his wife, they understand the importance of education and donated $100,000 to the University of Fresno State's Madden Library and initiated the ``Baskets for Books Program''. In addition to his dedicated service of enriching the lives and educational experiences of students, Jerry is known for his exceptional coaching abilities. He started coaching in 1956 at San Joaquin Memorial High School. On the collegiate level, he has coached Long Beach State, Fresno State and UNLV. Jerry has spent over 38 seasons as a head coach in collegiate basketball. Not only has he taken Fresno State to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2000 and 2001, 2001 WAC title and 2002 WAC Tournament Championship, but he has lead UNLV to four NCAA Final Four appearances and a national championship in 1989-1990. In 1999, Jerry was inducted into the California Community College Sports Hall of Fame. Jerry has an exemplary coaching record, having never had a losing season. Furthermore, Jerry has had 42 of his players drafted to the NBA's with 12 first round picks.

The Tarkanian's continue to support their love of education through a number of avenues, such as speaking engagements at hospitals and school rallies.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Lois and Jerry Tarkanian. Their dedication to education and the community are truly commendable and have enriched countless lives. I congratulate them on their much deserved recognition by the Clark County School District in having a school named after them. I am certain that this educational establishment will embody the education excellence that the Tarkanian's have long advocated.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Ocie Pigford, a true legend in law enforcement, who passed away Sunday, March 11, 2007.

Ocie Pigford resided in LaVerkin, Utah, and left a lasting impression on the Las Vegas community. After serving his country in the United States Air Force, Ocie joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Of his many accomplishments as a member of the Metropolitan Police Department, Ocie was most famous for bringing two of the most notorious criminals to justice. In December 1959, he along with his partner, stopped and arrested Richard Eugene Hickock and Perry Edward Smith. They ended a six week nationwide manhunt which started in Holcomb, Kansas. After their arrest these two men were subsequently tried and convicted of killing the Clutter family. Ocie was instrumental in bringing these criminals to justice while protecting the people of Las Vegas.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and memory of Ocie Pigford. His service to his Nation and to the people of Las Vegas was commendable. He was truly a dedicated public servant who enriched countless lives in Southern Nevada. He will be profoundly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend Robert ``Bob'' Ferraro for his many years of service to both the state of Nevada and to the residents of Boulder City, Nevada, where he has served with great distinction and honor.

Bob is a native Nevadan. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno and earned both a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree. After completing his education, Bob worked at his alma mater for 10 years before moving to Las Vegas to begin working in an engineering firm.

Bob moved to Boulder City in 1970. He began his career in public service in 1976, when he was appointed to a vacancy on the Boulder City Council. This appointment was the beginning of over 30 years of distinguished service to the citizens of Boulder City. Since 1976, Bob has served continuously, either as a council member or as mayor. Bob's service on the Boulder City Council has led to involvement in a number of other organizations. He has served on the Executive Board of the Civilian Military Council, the Nevada Development Authority and the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition/Clark County Debt Management.

Bob has served in his current position as Mayor of Boulder City since 1999. In June of 2003, he was elected to a second 4-year term. During his tenure as Mayor, Bob has committed himself to leading with integrity, vision, and dedication. His leadership philosophy is based upon the notion that the citizens of Boulder City should have access to their elected officials and city government. Additionally, during his tenure as Mayor of Boulder City, Bob has overseen a variety of civic and public works projects that have enhanced the overall quality of life in Boulder City.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor my good friend Robert ``Bob'' Ferraro. Over the past 30 years, he has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving life for the residents of Boulder City. I commend him for his leadership, his dedication and his distinguished record of service to the Boulder City community. I applaud his service as Mayor of Boulder City and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of William V. ``Bill'' Wright, who for over 57 years contributed immensely to the people of Southern Nevada in a variety of roles both civically and professionally. As a result of his commitment to his fellow Nevadans, the Clark County School District Board of Trustees named a new elementary school in his memory and honor.

Bill was born in Corsicana, Texas in 1917 and he was raised in Illinois. He attended the University of Missouri where he earned a degree in journalism. Prior to his move to Las Vegas with his wife, Annelle, he began his professional journalism career as an advertising salesman at The Peoria Star in Peoria, Illinois.

After his move to Las Vegas, Bill joined the Las Vegas Review-Journal as a member of the staff. He was promoted to advertising director in 1945 and served in this capacity until 1966 when he was appointed to the position of general manager. During his tenure as general manager of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Bill was responsible for many of the important milestones in the development and growth of the newspaper. He oversaw the newspaper's circulation increase from 48,273 to 89,079 subscribers, which allowed it to claim the title of being the largest daily newspaper in the state of Nevada. He was also responsible for the construction of the newspaper's facilities on Bonanza Road and the modernization of the newspaper printing process from molten lead- typography to computerized typesetting.

As general manager of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Bill was committed to the idea that its readers should understand how the news stories impacted their lives and insisted that the articles included information on how it would impact the Las Vegas community.

In addition to his many successes and achievements with his professional career, Bill was also passionate about history and was an adamant collector. As a result of his interests in history and his pride for Nevada, Bill became involved with many civic organizations such as the Nevada Historical Society and the Nevada State Museum. He served in several leadership positions and was both a member of the board of trustees and also chairman of the board for 14 years. In 1980, the University of Nevada Las Vegas honored him with the Distinguished Nevadan Award for his many years of service to his state. He was also honored by the Nevada State Press Association with the Silver Makeup Rule Award and inducted into the Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame.

Unfortunately, Annelle, his wife passed away in 1977 but Bill remained general manager of the newspaper until 1981. Bill was active with his civic organizations and projects until his passing in 1998 at the age of 80 years old. Bill and his wife were survived by 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren with many of them residing in Southern Nevada.

Madam Speaker, William V. ``Bill'' Wright was an outstanding Nevadan whose commitment to civic and community organizations has made a profound difference in our state. I thank the Clark County School District for honoring Bill Wright's memory by naming a school after him and I congratulate his family on this special occasion.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Mrs. Maureen Clark for being awarded National Board Certification in Career and Technical Education Communication Arts by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Maureen is 1 of 2 educators at Foothill High School in Henderson, Nevada to become nationally certified. National Board Certification is a process that requires 1 to 3 years of preparation and testing. Maureen completed an extensive portfolio of assignments, essays, and videotapes as well as tests which assessed her knowledge of the individual subjects she teaches. Once obtaining National Board Certification, a teacher is given the highest honor of professional teaching excellence. Only 116 of more than 20,000 teachers in the Clark County School District, less than 1 percent, have earned this distinction.

Mrs. Clark has a long and distinguished career as an educator. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Art Education from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis and a Master's in Art Education from Northern Arizona University. She is an 18-year veteran teacher, teaching the last 7 years at Foothill High School. She currently teaches classes in Computer Graphics, Website Science, and Computer Graphic and 3D Animation. It is said that Mrs. Clark's classes are in high demand by Foothill students and her teaching approaches are described as innovative and exciting. After school, Mrs. Clark is the adviser for SkillsUSA, a club and national organization that prepares students for college by training them in technical, skilled, and service occupations. Under her advisement, SkillsUSA has competed and earned numerous state awards for its technology innovations. Maureen has made a profound difference in our community and we are most fortunate to have this leadership which positively impacts student achievement.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Maureen Clark. Her efforts to improve the educational experiences of the student at Foothill High School are commendable. I congratulate her on her much deserved recognition and I wish her continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Mrs. Joann Strand for being awarded National Board Certification in Adolescence and Young Adulthood Secondary Language Arts by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Joann is 1 of 2 educators at Foothill High School in Henderson, Nevada to become nationally certified. National Board Certification is a process that requires 1 to 3 years of preparation and testing. Mrs. Strand completed an extensive portfolio of assignments, essays, and videotapes as well as tests which assessed her knowledge of the individual subjects she teaches. Once obtaining National Board Certification, a teacher is given the

highest honor of professional teaching excellence. Only 116 of more than 20,000 teachers in the Clark County School District, less than 1 percent, have earned this distinction.

Mrs. Strand has a long and distinguished career as an educator beginning with a Bachelor's Degree from Bemidji State University and a Master's Degree in Secondary Language Arts from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has been an employee of the Clark County School District for 19 years and has spent the past 8 years at Foothill High School as a member of the English Department. Mrs. Strand is also a co- creator with a fellow teacher of Young Entrepreneur Services, Inc., YES, Inc., is a unique company classroom which has been recognized throughout the district for its unique approach to instructing students. This class applies real world business work situations with the necessities of an English class. Mrs. Strand is known by her colleagues as a tireless worker who is both inspiring and relentless in her pursuit of excellence. Joann has made a profound difference in our community and we are most fortunate to have this leadership which positively impacts student achievement.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Joann Strand. Her efforts to improve the educational experiences of the student at Foothill High School are commendable. I congratulate her on her much deserved recognition and I wish her continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Schwartz family for their philanthropic efforts in the Jewish Community of Las Vegas and for their many contributions to provide the Las Vegas Valley with a new community center and synagogue.

The Schwartz family, principals of Great American Capital, a real estate development company found in Las Vegas, have been leaders in the development, acquisition, operation and management of high quality commercial and residential real estate projects in Nevada and Southern California. As a result of their civic generosity, the construction of the Beit Allon Chabad of Summerlin Community Center and Synagogue was completed and opened in April of 2006. This facility has emerged as one of the most magnificent synagogues in Las Vegas and includes the finest, up-to-date facilities for education, socializing, and catering affairs. For their humanitarian efforts and community service the Schwartz family is being recognized as inaugural recipients of the Chabad of Summerlin Founder's Award.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the Schwartz family. Their commitment to the Jewish Community is commendable and I congratulate them on their much deserved recognition. I thank them for their dedication and loyalty and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friends Frank J. Fertitta, Chairman of the Board and C.E.O. of Station Casino and Lorenzo J. Fertitta, Vice Chairman of the Board and President of Station Casino as well as the entire Fertitta family.

Through the consistent efforts of Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, Station Casino was recently recognized by Fortune magazine as one of the top 100 companies to work for nationwide. The management of Station Casino, which has received this recognition for 3 consecutive years, has enacted several policies aimed at bettering the quality of life for its team members. One such program, initiated by Frank and Lorenzo, provides team members with assistance becoming homeowners. Another program offers assistance to team members seeking to become U.S. Citizens; this program offers assistance such as citizenship application classes, study material for the citizenship examination, and payroll advances for citizenship application. As a result of this program, in 2006, 28 Station team members gained U.S. citizenship and currently 260 more team members are attending citizenship classes.

In addition to implementing programs to enhance certain aspects of their employees' lives, Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta have cultivated a working environment founded upon ideals of camaraderie, respect and fairness.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor my good friends Frank Fertitta, Lorenzo Fertitta and the entire Fertitta family. Their dedication to their employees is commendable and I wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Iny Family for their numerous contributions to the Jewish Community of Las Vegas and for their many contributions to provide the Las Vegas Valley with a new community center and synagogue.

The Iny Family, principals of Great American Capital, a real estate development company found in Las Vegas, have been leaders in the development, acquisition, operation and management of high quality commercial and residential real estate projects in Nevada and Southern California. As a result of their civic generosity, the construction of the Beit Allon Chabad of Summerlin Community Center and Synagogue was completed and opened in April of 2006. This facility has emerged as one of the most magnificent synagogues in Las Vegas and includes the finest, up-to-date facilities for education, socializing, and catering affairs. For their humanitarian efforts and community service, the Iny Family is being recognized as inaugural recipients of the Chabad of Summerlin Founder's Award.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the Iny Family. Their commitment to the Jewish Community is commendable and I congratulate them on their much deserved recognition. I thank them for their dedication and loyalty and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, invasive animal and plant species know no boundaries. That is why I introduced H.R. 658, the Natural Resource Protection Cooperative Agreement Act.

The passage of this legislation today has significance to my district, given the recent infestation at Lake Mead of quagga mussels. These are a species capable of causing massive destruction and billions of dollars in damages. The quagga mussel is a resilient species that multiplies at exponential rates and can cause enormous ecological, recreational, and economic damage. In recent years, the mussel has caused an estimated $5 billion in damages to the Great Lakes region.

As the law currently exists, the National Park Service does not have the legal authority to enter into cooperative agreements with neighboring States and local governments or private entities. Rather, the Park Service

must wait until invasive species cross into their lands and waterways before they can be dealt with.

Part of responsible stewardship of our local environment is being proactive and not merely responsive to new ecological challenges. H.R. 658 enables the National Park Service to take preventative measures in order to preserve our lands and natural resources.

By entering into cooperative agreements with State and local experts, we will be able to eradicate invasive species before they encroach onto Federal lands. We have an obligation to our children and to our community to be responsible stewards of our local environment.

I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working in a bipartisan manner on this very important issue.

I also want to thank my constituent Ann Schreiber in Nevada who has worked so hard to eradicate invasive plant life in my district and recognizes the importance of meeting these challenges head-on.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of David Cox, who died March 5th, 2007.

A lifetime resident of Nevada, David Cox made a huge impact on the lives of his community. David was in the first wave of men at Omaha Beach during World War II. Due to his service, he earned the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. David also made an impact by serving in the Clark County Planning Commission for 4 years. Then in 1951, he started his career by teaching 5th graders, He served as an assistant principal on two separate occasions until becoming the principal for Jim Bridger, Von Tobel, and Fremont Junior High Schools which position he held until he retired. His greatest accomplishment came when they dedicated an elementary school in his honor in 1990. David served as a teacher, principal, and an educator for Clark County School District for 29 years. He was always eager to get involved in his community.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of David Cox for his work on behalf of the community and enriched countless lives in southern Nevada. He was dedicated to teaching and enriching the lives of his students. David will be profoundly missed.