Recognizing the Career of Rick Beck

Floor Speech

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Mr. NEWHOUSE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of Rick Beck, a teacher who has shaped the future of foreign language learning in the Yakima Valley.

Drawing from German culture and his own high school experience, Rick developed a nationally-recognized German language program in the West Valley School District.

Through years of hard work and curriculum development, Mr. Beck created bonds with his students, teaching them about language, leading exchange trips to help them better understand German culture, and inspiring several to pursue higher education in German linguistics and international relations.

In November 2019, West Valley High School and German teacher Rick Beck were recognized by the American Association of Teachers of German as a German Center of Excellence, a crowning achievement of Rick's career.

Now, as Rick enters into retirement, his legacy and the language program he developed will continue to inspire students at West Valley High School and beyond.

I thank Rick for his service and commitment to students across the globe. I wish him the best in his retirement.

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