[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 8688-8689] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN HONOR OF BARBARA KIRIE STEWART ______ HON. HENRY J. HYDE of illinois in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 5, 1999 Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, education is in crisis today in America. That is why I think it is important to recognize an outstanding teacher. I rise today to recognize Barbara Kirie Stewart, daughter of a colleague and friend of mine, James C. Kirie. Mrs. Stewart teaches at Brentwood Academy in Tennessee where an endowed chair for history has recently been established in her name. This honor could not have been bestowed on a more deserving or dedicated woman, one who truly understands the joy of giving--to her students, her friends and family, and to future generations. The endowment chair lets the rest of the world know how integral Barbara is to Brentwood Academy. Mrs. Barbara Stewart came to Brentwood Academy in the fall of 1972, in time to see the first class graduate the following spring. She brought with her a B.A. degree from Lindenwood College and the gift of making history come alive through her effective classroom teaching style. Barbara's work with the Youth in Government program and as the founding sponsor of the R.O. Beauchamp chapter of the National Honor Society are just some of the many community enrichment activities with which she has involved herself. Barbara's devotion to students and education has taken her through 25 years as the History Department Chair at Brentwood Academy. Along the way, she also earned an M.A.T. from Vanderbilt. Those who have known Barbara in the classroom have discovered qualities that cannot be captured: an enthusiasm that stamps her presence into their memories forever. Mrs. Barbara Stewart's former students say it best: I became a teacher because of your inspiration. Thank you for all you did for me as a student and all you have inspired me to do as a teacher. I can still hear your voice and recall the enjoyment of learning history from you. You taught me to always ask why, not just who and when. That has made all the difference. Yours is the one class from my high school days that continues to capture my imagination and still sends me to the bookshelves scrambling for more information. No teacher in high school or college taught me as much as you. No teacher taught me how to learn as well as you. And no teacher was ever as hard as you either! Every once in a while there is a teacher who, with contagious enthusiasm, is able to [[Page 8689]] impart knowledge and show genuine interest in her students, thus earning their affection and respect in return. Thank you for being one of those rare teachers. The longer I live, the more I realize that your hard work, dedication, and selfless service has enriched my life in countless ways. Mr. Speaker, the Barbara Kirie Stewart Endowed Chair for History preserves the legacy of academic achievement lived out at Brentwood Academy through Mrs. Barbara Stewart--an exemplary citizen whose excellence in teaching is unsurpassed. ____________________