Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-13

CELEBRATING DON BOTT'S EXTRAORDINARY CAREER IN EDUCATION

EducationCrime & Justice

Context

On 2026-05-13, Representative Josh Harder (D-CA-9) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING DON BOTT'S EXTRAORDINARY CAREER IN EDUCATION" in the House.

Full Text

CELEBRATING DON BOTT'S EXTRAORDINARY CAREER IN EDUCATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E441] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING DON BOTT'S EXTRAORDINARY CAREER IN EDUCATION ______ HON. JOSH HARDER of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary career of Mr. Don Bott as he retires after 41 years of dedicated service as an educator in Stockton, California. For more than four decades, Mr. Bott has shaped the lives of countless students through his unwavering commitment to education, mentorship, and personal growth. He spent over 30 years teaching English and journalism at Stagg High School, where he inspired generations of young people with a deep appreciation for literature, writing, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. His classroom was more than a place of instruction--it was a place where students were challenged to discover their voices, build confidence, and strive toward their full potential. In addition to his work in the classroom, Mr. Bott served for 27 years as advisor to the nationally recognized and award-winning Stagg Line newspaper. Under his leadership, student journalists developed not only exceptional writing and reporting skills, but also the confidence and discipline necessary to succeed in college, careers, and civic life. Through journalism, Mr. Bott empowered students to tell meaningful stories, pursue truth, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. Throughout his career, Mr. Bott became known not only as an exceptional educator, but as a mentor whose influence extended far beyond graduation. Former students regularly returned to his classroom to share their experiences and offer guidance to younger students--a testament to the lasting impact of his mentorship and the strong community he cultivated over the years. Thousands of students benefitted from his encouragement, compassion, and belief in their ability to succeed. In the final years of his career, Mr. Bott continued his service to Stockton Unified School District as a teacher's coach, helping support and mentor fellow educators so that future generations of students could continue to receive the highest quality education. His leadership and experience strengthened not only individual classrooms, but the broader educational community across Stockton. Mr. Bott's legacy is one of service, excellence, and unwavering advocacy for students. He has been a champion for the art of writing, a passionate advocate for reading and journalism, and a transformational figure in public education. His awards and honors include: San Joaquin County Teacher of the Year, National Scholastic Press Association Pioneer, and Journalism Education Association Medal of Merit. His impact on Stockton will continue to be felt for generations through the students, teachers, and community members whose lives he touched. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Don Bott for his remarkable 41-year career and to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. The people of Stockton and the entire Central Valley are deeply grateful for his decades of dedication and service. ____________________

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CELEBRATING DON BOTT'S EXTRAORDINARY CAREER IN EDUCATION Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E441] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING DON BOTT'S EXTRAORDINARY CAREER IN EDUCATION ______ HON. JOSH HARDER of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary career of Mr. Don Bott as he retires after 41 years of dedicated service as an educator in Stockton, California. For more than four decades, Mr. Bott has shaped the lives of countless students through his unwavering commitment to education, mentorship, and personal growth. He spent over 30 years teaching English and journalism at Stagg High School, where he inspired generations of young people with a deep appreciation for literature, writing, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. His classroom was more than a place of instruction--it was a place where students were challenged to discover their voices, build confidence, and strive toward their full potential. In addition to his work in the classroom, Mr. Bott served for 27 years as advisor to the nationally recognized and award-winning Stagg Line newspaper. Under his leadership, student journalists developed not only exceptional writing and reporting skills, but also the confidence and discipline necessary to succeed in college, careers, and civic life. Through journalism, Mr. Bott empowered students to tell meaningful stories, pursue truth, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. Throughout his career, Mr. Bott became known not only as an exceptional educator, but as a mentor whose influence extended far beyond graduation. Former students regularly returned to his classroom to share their experiences and offer guidance to younger students--a testament to the lasting impact of his mentorship and the strong community he cultivated over the years. Thousands of students benefitted from his encouragement, compassion, and belief in their ability to succeed. In the final years of his career, Mr. Bott continued his service to Stockton Unified School District as a teacher's coach, helping support and mentor fellow educators so that future generations of students could continue to receive the highest quality education. His leadership and experience strengthened not only individual classrooms, but the broader educational community across Stockton. Mr. Bott's legacy is one of service, excellence, and unwavering advocacy for students. He has been a champion for the art of writing, a passionate advocate for reading and journalism, and a transformational figure in public education. His awards and honors include: San Joaquin County Teacher of the Year, National Scholastic Press Association Pioneer, and Journalism Education Association Medal of Merit. His impact on Stockton will continue to be felt for generations through the students, teachers, and community members whose lives he touched. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Don Bott for his remarkable 41-year career and to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. The people of Stockton and the entire Central Valley are deeply grateful for his decades of dedication and service. ____________________