Recognizing Tess Mattingly Florek for Her Years of Academic Excellence and Commitment to Education

Floor Speech

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Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Tess Florek of St. Veronica Catholic School, who for nearly a decade has dedicated her career and scholarship to educating children in their early years. Throughout her years of service as a schoolteacher, Mrs. Florek has made remarkable contributions to the lives of students, parents, and her school community.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Tess attended San Jose Catholic Grade School and spent her summers with family in New Orleans. After graduating high school with an International Baccalaureate degree, Tess attended Florida State University to become a Bachelor of Music. Upon the completion of her degree, she elected to earn her master's degree in the same field from the University of North Texas. In 2017, she earned her second master's degree in education from Marymount University.

Despite her remarkable academic accomplishments thus far, Mrs. Florek is continuing her scholarship at Marymount University, where she is in the final year of her second master's degree in education through the Marymount University graduate program in Catholic School Leadership.

As of the 2022-2023 academic year, Tess Florek has completed her 7th year teaching fourth grade students at St. Veronica Catholic School. Beyond her responsibility as a teacher, Tess actively serves as a school band leader while simultaneously playing an integral community role in the diocesan accreditation process.

As the teacher for Josiah and Elijah Hawatmeh--nephews of my Chief of Staff, Nicola Hawatmeh--Mrs. Florek has left a lasting impression on the many young lives she has impacted. Her devotion and faithful service exemplify every characteristic that makes for a great educator, and we are all thankful for her passion, drive, and commitment to the field of education.

I join the wider St. Veronica community in thanking Mrs. Florek for going above and beyond for her students at St. Veronica Catholic School. With National Teacher Appreciation still fresh in our minds, it is a profound honor to recognize the great work of Tess Florek and all the passionate men and women who dedicate their lives to educating our youngest generation.

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