The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO BLAISE MESSINGER” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Senate section on pages S6190-S6191 on Aug. 1, 2013.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO BLAISE MESSINGER
Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, today I wish to recognize Blaise Messinger, Connecticut's 2013 Teacher of the Year.
Every year the Connecticut State Department of Education selects one teacher for this prestigious title who then serves as an ambassador for education throughout the State and also represents Connecticut on a national scale, working on panels and advisory committees with other State teachers of the year, as well as with the National State Teacher of the Year Program and the U.S. Department of Education. This year's Connecticut Teacher of the Year, Blaise Messinger, was selected from 4 finalists, 15 semifinalists, and over 80 district teachers of the year for this tremendous distinction.
Mr. Messinger makes an extraordinary difference in the lives of his students and their families and at his school. He is an inspiration to his colleagues. At Woodside Intermediate School in Cromwell, CT, he is well known for his commitment to making fifth grade engaging and interesting. An actor in Los Angeles and New York City for many years, Mr. Messinger dedicates this thespian acumen and ability to his students' progress. By making school fun and relevant, his students remember what he teaches and come out of his classroom as enthusiastic learners. When addressing fellow educators as Connecticut Teacher of the Year, he advised his colleagues to ``think back to that teacher you can still hear in your head.'' I am grateful that Mr. Messinger came to Connecticut to apply his talents, high energy, and positive spirit as a community leader.
One personal inspiration for Mr. Messinger's incredible impact as a teacher is his own family--especially his two sons, Ethan and Caleb, who live with him and his wife Kimberley in Cromwell. Mr. Messinger has said that his love for them--and his witnessing how teachers impacted their lives, especially his son Ethan who has autism--drives his desire to change the lives of children.
I thank the Connecticut State Department of Education and the National Teacher of the Year Program for representing the voices of passionate, talented teachers and recognizing their heroic efforts. Mr. Messinger has already done great work on a national level, sparking important discussions about changing the way we educate our future generations. I am very proud that he represents Connecticut as 2013 Teacher of the Year and invite my colleagues to join me in applauding his invaluable contributions to our country.
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