The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING PATRICK COLLINS FOR HIS FIFTY YEARS OF TEACHING AT BELEN
JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
______
HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART
of florida
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding educator in my district, Mr. Patrick Collins, who has dedicated fifty years towards teaching the young men of Miami-Dade County.
Patrick received his B.A. in history and secondary education from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, in 1971. That same year, he began his impressive teaching career at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, where he still teaches today. Shortly after beginning his career at Belen, he became the Chairperson of the newly created Social Studies Department--a clear indicator of his leadership qualities even at a young age. In 1975, Patrick received his M.S. in administration in secondary education from Barry University and founded Belen's varsity tennis team, where he served as head coach until 2007. If that year wasn't busy enough for Patrick, he also fostered the longstanding relationship with Belen and Close Up Foundation, thereby allowing thousands of students to visit Washington, D.C., and witness the seat of our nation's government. In fact, in 2015, he was inducted into Close Up Foundation's Educator Hall of Fame, a distinction which he rightfully deserves.
It has been an honor to work with Mr. Collins over the years and I truly value his friendship. I have visited his classroom on several occasions to speak to his students regarding my role as a Member of Congress and it is clear how respected he is amongst his students and peers. Through these visits, I have seen firsthand his passion for teaching and the influence that he has on all those who he interacts with. He represents the values that Belen Jesuit Preparatory School hopes to instill in its students and has done a commendable job preparing young men for their future.
Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to know that an educator such as Mr. Collins resides in South Florida. He has truly made a difference in the lives of every student he interacts with and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 150
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