[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF STEPHEN K. WOODLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID D. PHELPS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 26, 2001

  Mr. PHELPS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the achievements 
of Stephen K. Woodland. Mr. Woodland is a 29 year veteran teacher, 
military retiree, coach, mentor, and friend to hundreds of students who 
have passed through his regimen of algebra, geometry, and calculus. He 
drives forward with an energy level undiminished by many years of hard 
work. For twenty one years, the math teams he has coached and/or helped 
prepare for state competition have finished first, second, or third. 
Mr. Woodland maintains the challenge is not the competition, it is the 
preparation. This is where teaching and learning happen.
  Mr. Woodland is the first to tell students that high school math is 
only the beginning. He encourages students to light their torch of 
learning in high school and carry it on to college. Mr. Woodland 
refuses the spotlight but his opinion is highly respected, his 
integrity is beyond reproach, and his influence mighty. When he speaks, 
students heed his words.
  Many teachers will be successful during their careers, but very few 
will match the level of success and expertise achieved by Mr. Woodland. 
He is tenacious in his pursuit of excellence. He set his goals and then 
drives forward. He exhibits the qualities to set himself above the 
crowd. Clearly, he has distinguished himself in his profession.

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