HONORING EXEMPLARY EDUCATOR KATHY PUTMAN -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 25, 2004)
SPEECH OF
HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2004
Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kathy Putman, an exemplary educator, who is retiring after forty years in the classroom at John F. Kennedy High School in Fremont, California. Immediately after graduating from San Jose State University, Kathy's career in education began at Kennedy High School.
She was among the first instructors when the new high school was opened in 1965. Teaching Government and Economics to high school seniors at Kennedy High School is the only job Kathy has ever had. She was only a couple of years older than her first students. Over the decades, she has taught many children of former students in her class.
For years Kennedy High School had a contest for "Most Popular Teacher." Kathy won so often the contest was discontinued. Each year her yearbook is filled with the penned thoughts of adoring students. Thousands of young Fremont students have passed through her classroom where the walls are covered with photographs and notes from former students. Assuming Kathy had 200-300 students a year, for 40 years, this adds up to between 8,000-12,000 students she has touched during her career.
I, along with former Congressman Don Edwards, California Attorney General Bill Lockyer and a host of political and civic leaders have been privileged to speak to students in Kathy's government classes. She was a true believer in exposing her students to firsthand experiences in government. She encouraged student involvement and referred her students to my office for internships.
I have never met a more experienced, committed or enthusiastic teacher. Kathy is a model for all educators to follow. I commend her on her 40 years of outstanding service. Kathy has left an indelible mark on her students and the community of Fremont and her contributions will be long remembered and felt with utmost respect.