On the recordNovember 20, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tucson High Magnet School's teacher, Art Almquist, as being named Teacher of the Year by People Magazine. For the past 17 years, Mr. Almquist has been Tucson Magnet's drama teacher. He has built a phenomenal theater program rarely seen on any high school level. His programs and plays have won numerous awards from universities, as well as regularly being named one of the best high school theaters in America by the American High School Theater Festival. Mr. Almquist is known for staging productions on topics such as AIDS, environmental activism, and immigration. He believes the theater offers each student an opportunity to learn new skills and enhance his skills. As an educator, he has influenced thousands of students to pursue a career that both challenges them, but also brings them joy. I give my most sincere thanks and congratulations to Mr. Art Almquist for representing Tucson as a leader in the field of education. Mr. Almquist exemplifies how a role model can effect change and educate the next generation. ____________________





