Floor Statements

Mr. President; today, after delays associated with mechanical issues on the airplane I was set to travel on, severe weather in the Miami area further delayed my arrival into Washington, DC. As such, I will unfortunately miss today's vote.

Madam President, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my privilege to recognize a small business that exemplifies creativity, hard work, and dedication to improving their community. This week, it is my honor to name The Big Cheese of Miami, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Having just celebrated their 35 year anniversary, The Big Cheese has grown from a 12-seat and 2-person operation to a landmark Miami Italian restaurant. Lifelong friends Bill Archer and Garry Duell founded The Big Cheese in 1984 and due to their rapid success, expanded to a larger location across the street. Bill is the culinary expert of the duo and has developed original recipes for all 120 items on the menu, while Garry focuses on the day-to-day operations. Along the way, they have shared in the restaurant's success.

Today, The Big Cheese remains family-oriented and affordable and uses only the finest ingredients. They have an extensive menu that includes everything from Italian favorites to Miami classics. Many of their employees have been there since inception, and others are second- generation employees, with an average employee tenure of 16 years. Bill, Gary, and longtime manager Salvatore Aiello strive to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and they have certainly succeeded.

Their dedication to fair prices and made-from-scratch dishes has not gone unnoticed. They were voted The Best Inexpensive Italian Restaurant in Miami and received the 5 Kids Crown Award from South Florida Parenting Magazine for their pizza. They are proud to feed people from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds and remain focused on serving their community.

One example of their efforts to help community members in need was during Hurricane Irma recovery, when they donated food to the emergency operations center in Monroe County. They are also the official sponsor of the University of Miami Athletics Department, providing both the Hurricanes and their competitors with pregame meals. Since their founding, they have served thousands of University of Miami students and collected more than 200 pieces of original memorabilia. Their dedication to the school was recently honored when they were chosen to represent the University of Miami during the Taste of the NFL, a charity aimed at bringing awareness to the millions of Americans who struggle with hunger.

The Big Cheese is an exemplary community-focused small business. They have remained true to their original values and serve their community in times of need. Like many Main Street restaurants throughout our country, The Big Cheese is a place where community members have gathered and enjoyed meals together for decades. By focusing on quality food and superior customer service, The Big Cheese has stayed in high demand. It is with great pleasure that I extend my congratulations to Bill, Gary and all of the employees at The Big Cheese. I wish you well as you continue serving the people of South Florida, and I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.

Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the memory of Leon E. ``Bill'' Braxton, a World War II veteran and teacher who dedicated his life in service to our Nation and educated countless students throughout his career.

Bill Braxton was born near Hope Hills, NC, on May 1, 1917. After graduating high school in 1934, he enlisted with the U.S. Army in April 1935, serving in Panama, Austria, Germany, Japan, and Korea. He was an honor graduate of the Coast Artillery School, European Air Transport Service's Flight Captain's School, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Bill flew combat missions in Indo China in 1954 and aided the French at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.

In 1959, he retired from the U.S. Air Force and enrolled at the University of Miami, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in German. He then received a fellowship under the National Defense Education Act to attend Kent State University, earning a master's degree in German in 1964.

Bill's first teaching position was at Hialeah High School, teaching German and English. He taught at Stetson University before moving to Satellite Beach in 1971, where he joined Satellite High School. While there, he developed the school's German Student Program and was named teacher of the year for southern Brevard County. His proudest achievement was establishing the school's Fulbright Student Exchange program for German students before retiring from the school in 1979.

In retirement, he continued to teach French, German, and Spanish at Brevard Community College and co-authored four nonfiction books based on his life experiences, people he met at home and abroad, and events he witnessed while serving in the military.

Bill Braxton lived a full life and made a difference for his community and his country. I express my sincerest condolences to his four children--Thomas Braxton, Douglas Braxton, Patty Braxton, and Susan Braxton--his seven grandchildren, and his three great- grandchildren. May God bless his family during this time of sorrow, and may they be strengthened by the memory of his life's service.

Mr. President, today I recognize Jeff Becker, the Lee County Teacher of the Year from Island Coast High School in Cape Coral, FL.

Jeff believes building trust with his students is important for their future success. Every morning, Jeff greets students as they walk into the building and spends his lunch break in the cafeteria getting to know everyone.

Jeff is the digital media technology teacher, where he strives for his students to learn video skills. He is credited with transforming the school's news program, winning Best High School News Show at the Lee County Film Festival Awards in his first year of teaching.

He was previously in sales for 4 years and noted that, while he was having a fun time, he felt as though he should be doing something else with his life. He became a guidance counselor at Cape Coral High School in 2011 after earning his master's degree in elementary and secondary school counseling at Wilmington University.

I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Jeff for his dedication to the students at his school and look forward to hearing of his continued good work in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I recognize Caroline Buechner, the Santa Rosa County Teacher of the Year from Navarre High School in Navarre, FL.

Caroline was named teacher of the year after being selected among 33 teachers nominated from each school in her district. Santa Rosa superintendent, Tim Wyrosdick, visited her classroom during one of her chorus lessons to present the award. Caroline was humbled to receive this honor and wished to convey a message to all educators: ``Join together to better the educational experience for students.''

Caroline considers her students the best she could ever ask for, many of them are training for an upcoming singing competition. While she was shocked at the honor, her students knew she deserved the award and gave her a round of applause. She is credited for marrying academia and the performing arts and growing the school's choir program.

Caroline has been a choral music educator at Navarre High School for the past 9 years and is the coordinator of the 2019 All State High School Concern Choir. Her chorus program is considered one of the more prestigious programs in Florida.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Caroline for her dedication to teaching her choir students and look forward to hearing of her continued good work in the years ahead.

Mr. President, today I recognize Evan Gould, the Clay County Teacher of the Year from Lake Asbury Junior High School in Green Cove Springs, FL.

Evan regards it a tremendous honor to represent all school employees as teacher of the year. He believes support staff play a critical role in the success of students and teachers. His colleagues note he leads, inspires, and coaches his students to perform at the highest level. Evan believes every student can succeed academically, artistically, and socially.

Evan currently teaches chorus and drama classes at Lake Asbury Junior High School. He has been a teacher for 30 years, with 22 years in Clay County. His chorus and drama programs are highly regarded in Florida, winning awards and superior ratings at district and State competitions. He also serves as chair of District 1 Junior Thespians, hosting more than 500 drama students from across the region for their annual festival.

I express my sincere thanks and best wishes to Evan for his work to educate his students in chorus and drama. I look forward to learning of his continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. President, today I recognize Debra Hartline, the Manatee County Teacher of the Year from Braden River High School in Bradenton, FL.

Debra works closely with her students who need to improve their reading comprehension scores in order to meet the requirement for graduation. Each year, more than 96 percent of her students reach that goal. Her students note she spends many hours of work regularly reinstilling their confidence in themselves and preparing them before they take the reading test.

Debra's proudest moments are when she watches her students walk across the stage at their graduation. Many of them thought they would never graduate and credit Debra's reading methods with helping them improve their reading comprehension.

Debra has taught for 13 years, with the last 8 years at Braden River High School as a reading and English teacher. She previously managed a law in Cleveland, OH, when she noticed her daughter was struggling with reading comprehension. After she moved to Florida in 2000, she began to tutor at her home and later became a volunteer teacher at Braden River Elementary School.

I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Debra for her dedication in helping students achieve the important steps of graduating from high school. I look forward to hearing of her continued success in the coming years.

Mr. President, today I recognize Angela Hritz, the Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year from Davidson Middle School in Crestview, FL.

Angela received this award at her school district's annual banquet at the Emerald Coast Conference Center. She views teaching as a balancing act between challenging students and empowering them, and believes the most rewarding part of her job are the connections she makes with her students.

In her classes, she incorporates English language arts standards and keeps her students engaged by using Socratic seminars to deepen their understanding and develop communication skills. She ensures that her classroom is a respectful environment for her students.

Angela is a world history teacher and has taught at Davidson Middle School for more than 20 years. She earned a master's degree in educational leadership in 2008.

I congratulate Angela for receiving this important recognition after decades of teaching and extend my best wishes to her. I look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I am honored to recognize Tonya Miles, the Putnam County Teacher of the Year from William D. Moseley Elementary School in Palatka, FL.

Tonya was honored to receive this award, noting that she was overwhelmed with joy. Her colleagues commended her on the difference she has made within the school district.

Tonya's students describe the culture in her classroom and their school as one of a big family. It is an atmosphere where everyone works to help others succeed. Her students feel like she is their biggest supporter, both in the classroom and in their extracurricular activities.

Tonya has taught for 15 years and has been a fifth grade math teacher at William D. Moseley Elementary School for the past year and a half.

I extend my best wishes to Tonya for her dedication to her students and community and congratulate her on this award.

Mr. President, I honor Meredith Ness, the Walton County Teacher of the Year from Mossy Head Elementary School in DeFuniak Springs, FL.

Meredith's colleagues describe her as possessing the skills and dedication of a true leader and note that she is highly respected by all at her school. She views herself as a lifelong learner with a love for teaching students.

In Meredith's classes, she uses her knowledge for research in education and technology in designing lesson plans to teach her students. She currently serves as a professional learning facilitator, sponsor of Lego league and robotics club, a teacher mentor, and a member of the MHS school improvement team.

Meredith has been a teacher for 16 years, with the past 8 years at Mossy Head Elementary School. She is currently a fourth grade teacher.

I express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Meredith for all of the great work she has done for her students and congratulate her for winning this award.

Mr. President, today I recognize Bryan Poepperling, the Hendry County Teacher of the Year from Clewiston High School in Clewiston, FL.

In Bryan's classroom, his teaching of philosophy is based off a quote from Thomas Edison, ``There is no substitute for hard work.'' He works to instill this mentality to both his students in the classroom, and the student-athletes he coaches.

Bryan is the social studies department lead and teaches advanced placement U.S. history and U.S. history classes to sophomore and juniors at Clewiston High School. He also coaches cross country and junior varsity basketball. He earned his bachelor's degree in secondary education and social studies at the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Bryan for his dedication to helping his students succeed in school. I look forward to learning of his continued good work in the coming years.

Mr. President, today I recognize Tami Porter Parish, the Washington County Teacher of the Year from Vernon Middle School in Vernon, FL.

Tami's students find her more than their academic influencer, she is also a kind and admirable friend. Her students view her as someone who is always there for them and inspires them to achieve academic success. Tami considers herself blessed to teach her students, with many seeking her advice after class.

Tami is an eighth grade teacher at Vernon Middle School. She believes she is fortunate to work in the Washington County School District and would not trade a day of her teaching for anything.

I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Tami and extend my best wishes on her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I honor Alanna Rohling, the Escambia County Teacher of the Year from Lincoln Park Elementary School in Pensacola, FL.

Alanna's colleagues describe her as a teacher who embraces students with emotional challenges and helps them to succeed through her creative teaching style. She has been credited as a significant factor of the school's turnaround model to improve students' academic success in recent years. She dedicates her time not only to her students, but also to their parents, keeping them informed of their students' progress throughout the school year.

Her students' parents are grateful for this dedication, noting she is always willing to communicate, no matter the time of day. They believe her efforts have resulted in their young students being better prepared for future schooling.

Alanna is a kindergarten teacher and has been at Lincoln Park Elementary School since 2015. She also serves as the STEM committee cochair, a member of her school's leadership team, and works as a mentor to students outside of school.

I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Alanna for her work and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I recognize Lindsay Summerlin, the Gulf County Teacher of the Year from Port St. Joe Junior--Senior High School in Port St. Joe, FL.

Lindsay was shocked and overwhelmed with emotion to receive this award in front of her students when her daughter presented her with a bouquet of golden roses. She credits her students with making her a better teacher and was honored to receive Gulf County's support.

Lindsay works to build relationships with her students and seeks to help others in need. Following Hurricane Michael, she opened her home as a haven for neighbors and school district personnel whose homes sustained damage.

Lindsay is an exceptional student education teacher at Port St. Joe Junior--Senior High School. Her family moved from Georgia last year after her husband accepted the head baseball coaching position for the high school's team, the Tiger Sharks.

I express my best wishes and gratitude to Lindsay for her work and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years ahead.

Madam President, today I am pleased to recognize Daniella Boyd, the Palm Beach County Teacher of the Year from Royal Palm Beach High School in West Palm Beach, FL.

Daniella received this award in front of her students with a surprise visit from Palm Beach County Superintendent Donald Fennoy, her husband, parents, grandparents and her 7-week-old son. Her students credit her style of teaching that allows them to learn with ease.

Teaching has long been a part of Daniella's ambitions, originally focusing on social science in college. Her time with Teach for America allowed for her first assignment in a math class, leading to where she is today. In order to meet that challenge, Daniella had to relearn math and considered it a great opportunity to better understand how to teach her future students.

Daniella has been a mathematics teacher at Royal Palm Beach High School for 7 years and founded the school's math honor society and the Girls Who Code Club. She earned her master's degree from Harvard University. She is the eldest child of Ecuadorian immigrants.

I extend my sincere gratitude to Daniella for her tireless efforts to help her students succeed in math. I look forward to learning of her continued success in the years ahead.