Mary Jo Kilroy

Madam Speaker, on the legislative day of Tuesday, December 21, 2010, I cast a vote but it apparently was not recorded on rollcall vote 661. As a co-sponsor of this legislation, had my vote been properly recorded I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote 661.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Miriam and Bernie Yenkin who have tirelessly devoted their lives to supporting education, culture, history and opportunity within the Jewish community of central Ohio.

Miriam and Bernie are the 2010 recipients of the Columbus Jewish Federation Ben M. Mandelkorn Award of Distinguished Service in honor of their 50 years of leadership and dedication to the Columbus Jewish community.

The Yenkins' have received numerous awards and recognitions over the years for their service to the Jewish community here and around the world.

As officers and board members of several local organizations, they are involved in all facets of promoting and preserving Jewish culture and history in central Ohio. In addition to serving as President of the Federation, they have been involved with the Columbus Jewish Day School, Columbus Torah Academy, Agudas Achim, the Jewish Community Center, The Ohio State University Hillel, Soviet Jewry, the Jewish Education Service of North America, the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzilya, United Jewish Communities and the Columbus Jewish Historical Society.

Members of the Columbus Jewish community often credit their own volunteer involvement to Miriam and Bernie's guidance and encouragement.

I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Miriam and Bernie Yenkin for their extraordinary service to the Jewish community of Columbus.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles Feeser for being selected as a winner of the first annual Excellence in Teaching Award. I applaud his extraordinary service to Benjamin Banneker High School, the District of Columbia, and to each and every student that has passed through his classroom.

Praise and accolades fall short when describing the difference an inspiring teacher makes in a young person's life. Mr. Feeser's effectiveness comes from his earnest love of education. His lessons radiate beyond the classroom, teaching students to aspire to and achieve at high levels throughout their high school and college coursework.

Mr. Feeser has his students use nametags that refer to themselves as ``Mr.'' and ``Ms.'' instead of their first names. The practice teaches students that there are rituals that transcend the classroom. That awareness gives students the tools they can use in the larger public sphere. Mr. Feeser creates a community within the classroom. He lectures less, opting to facilitate discussion among students instead. More than a teacher, he is a mentor and partner in the learning process. He takes his craft seriously, and expects the same from those who share the classroom with him. It comes as no surprise that his students consistently win awards, scholarships, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts of theater, painting, poetry and prose.

At Benjamin Banneker High School, where he teaches English, art history, and serves as

the English Department Chair, Mr. Feeser has dedicated his time beyond normal school hours. He is involved in afterschool activities, serving as the drama club sponsor and organizing an annual Poetry Out Loud competition that routinely sends students to prestigious national competitions. These connections enliven the school and Mr. Feeser's commitment to Banneker extends to all students, not just those enrolled in his classes.

Before coming to the District of Columbia Public Schools, Mr. Feeser taught humanities and history at Columbus Alternative High School in central Ohio. Teaching in two urban public schools, his ability to identify, develop, and encourage talent in his students has shattered the stereotypes about public education. Even though he has spent the last 10 years teaching in the District of Columbia, Mr. Feeser is still well remembered in my district by parents and students who took his courses at Columbus Alternative High School. It is with great pride that I rise to honor Charles Feeser for his excellence as an educator. I look forward to his continued success with the District of Columbia Schools.