Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I wish to congratulate an outstanding educator from my State, Melanie Ah Soon from Sacred Hearts Academy, for receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

   This award, administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, is the highest recognition that a mathematics or science teacher may receive. Since the program's inception in 1983, more than 4,000 educators nationwide have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education. As a former educator and principal, I know firsthand about the countless hours that go into creating curricula, and it makes me proud to see outstanding teachers receive recognition for their hard work.

   The dedication of Melanie to her field and to the children of Hawaii is undeniable. I applaud her for receiving this outstanding recognition, and I wish her the very best in her future endeavors.