[Page H1214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING MIRANDA HARWOOD, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY'S TEACHER OF THE 
                                  YEAR

  (Mr. SPANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Mrs. Miranda 
Harwood on becoming Hillsborough County's Teacher of the Year. Mrs. 
Harwood is a fourth-grade math teacher at Brooker Elementary School in 
Brandon, Florida.
  Mrs. Harwood embodies everything that educators should be--a kind 
heart, dedication to her profession, and a commitment to her pupils. On 
Monday she hosts a math club for her excelling students, and on 
Wednesdays and Thursdays she stays late for those needing additional 
help and encouragement.
  Not only does she create a learning environment conducive to academic 
achievement, but she also strives to promote safety and security for 
those with difficult home lives. She really, truly cares. A former 
student described the impact that she left on him and his classmates as 
``making every student feel like they are her own child.'' Wow. Praise 
like this is both commendable and rare.
  As Mrs. Harwood moves forward to the State competition for Teacher of 
the Year, I wish her the best of luck. More importantly, I am honored 
to have her passion and dedication in my district and to have her 
instill these characteristics into our next generation.

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