On the recordMay 10, 2012
Mr. Speaker, we honor American teachers nationwide this week, who, day in and day out, work to make a future brighter for America. We all have had at least one or more teachers who has shaped our lives and who have believed in us. Mine was Mrs. Myrna Collins, who taught me in both the fourth and seventh grades back at Kearney Elementary School. This no-nonsense woman with a Texas drawl was determined that, despite the fact that I could be a handful, I was going to behave and learn--and learn I did. A few years back, I made an effort to have lunch with Mrs. Collins, and she made the comment that she knew that I could be successful if I only applied myself, and she was right. Her guidance back then showed me how much could be accomplished with hard work and focus. In the San Joaquin Valley and nationwide, teachers of America meet the challenges in the classroom with grace and grit every day. As we recognize these teachers throughout our country, we thank you for what you do every week of the school year. God bless you, Mrs. Collins, for all the students whose lives you've touched. Thank you. ____________________
