For Immediate Release                                       Contact: Amanda Molk, 202-225-5256

May 5, 2004 

Napolitano and Milken Family Foundation Honor Lake Center Middle School Teacher

Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano honored Lake Center Middle School Teacher Nancy Florez-Muro with a Congressional Record tribute yesterday.  Nancy was in Washington, DC to receive a 2003-2004 Milken Family Foundation Educator Award.  She was one of four teachers from California to be recognized this year. “Preparing our young people to be the leaders of tomorrow is one of the most challenging and important jobs in our society, and I commend Nancy for her dedication to her work and her students.  She is setting a wonderful example for others and is an inspiration to us all,” Napolitano stated.

Originally a certified public account, Nancy has now been teaching for over seven years.  Currently, she teaches sixth grade English as a Second Language, special education and math at Lake Center Middle School.  A strong believer in interdisciplinary learning, Nancy, known as Mrs. FM to her students, develops creative assignments that incorporate math, science, language arts and social studies.  She personalizes assignments based on individual student needs and focuses strongly on writing skills.  “The result of Nancy’s tireless efforts and innovative instructional strategies has been a consistent increase in test scores on the district writing assessment for language arts.  Her students frequently outperform other classes in the schoolwide Accelerated Reader program,” the Congresswoman noted.

Nancy was delighted to receive the Milken Award and the Congressional Record tribute.  She also indicated that her students were very excited about all of her recognition and award.

The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards were created in 1985 by Lowell Milken, who felt that educators were among the most important people in our society and extremely deserving of recognition.