December 6, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 195 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING BUFFY SMITH OF HELENA

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                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 6, 2019

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Buffy Smith of 
Helena for encouraging female students to study computer science and 
for emphasizing the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and 
Mathematics (STEM) education.
   Buffy grew up in and graduated high school in Gardiner. She then 
went to Carroll College where she majored in English and minored in 
Computer Science. Following her undergraduate studies, she earned a 
secondary high school teaching endorsement in computer science. It was 
there she found her call to teach.
   As an educator for 27 years, Buffy is breaking down barriers, paving 
the way for female and minority students to find their way into 
computer science.
   This year, Buffy received the National Educator Award from the 
National Center for Women and Information Technology. The award honors 
educators who encourage underrepresented students to participate in 
computer science. Buffy won statewide awards in 2014, 2015, and 2017.
   When Buffy began teaching, she thought she would focus mostly on 
academics. Years later, she came to believe the relationships developed 
in the classroom are as critical.
   With her commitment to her students and her knowledge of computer 
science, Buffy has created an all-inclusive approach to the subject. 
She prioritizes encouraging students to work with others who have 
different views and thus enhance the outcome of a project.
   Buffy mentors' girls in her class and encourages them to explore 
computer science and technology careers. She says, as with her 
classroom, computer science and other STEM fields can only improve with 
greater diversification.
   Madam Speaker, for her dedication to educating Montana students and 
for encouraging more young people, particularly young women, to study 
computer science and other STEM fields, I recognize Buffy Smith of 
Helena for her Spirit of Montana.

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