>A DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE IDAHO EDUCATOR

(Senate - September 29, 2006)

CRAPO: Mr. President, today I honor a dedicated and passionate teacher in my home State of Idaho. In the late summer of 1963 J. Kent Marlor first stepped onto the campus of Ricks College in Rexburg, ID, as a brand new 26-year-old teacher. During that first year, he taught economic history and political science and took the role of debate coach. When asked of his years at Ricks, he said, ``I don't know how I did it the first year I came here ..... I've had chances to go to a number of different places over the years, but have always wanted to stay here [because] I love Idaho. I love the wildlife and the smallness of the school ..... You know all the students [and] the faculty [and] the spirit that has always been here is a great thing for me.'' On August 24, 2006, he retired after 43 years teaching thousands of students in the political science department. He retired as the longest serving instructor in the 118-year history of the institution.

   Kent is a man well loved by those with whom he has come in contact. He has touched the lives of many of his students and has been able to help them gain confidence and direction in their fields of study. He is a mentor to many and will be missed by faculty and students alike at Ricks College, which became Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2000.

   During an interview with the Rexburg Standard Journal, Marlor said, ``Success of a teacher is really measured in the success of his students.'' The newspaper reported that Marlor's students are now judges, doctors, attorneys, legislators and editors.

   I have had firsthand experience with the fruits of Kent Marlor's educational efforts. Over the years, at least 10 of my Senate interns have been his students as well as several current and former members of my staff. When talking about his former students, Marlor said, ``My reward for being a teacher comes when I see what my students have accomplished.''

   Before his long and distinguished teaching career, Marlor served his count in Naval Intelligence and at the National Security Agency. He has also served as president of the Idaho Wildlife Federation and the chairman of the Idaho Fish and Game Advisory Committee. At his side in many of these meetings was his wife of over 50 years, Sharon. Together they raised six children who have also been very active in education and in their communities.

   Even though he has served in our Nation's Armed Forces, intelligence service, and in various community organizations, his most gratifying service has come with the Teton Peaks Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Over the years, Kent and Sharon earned their spot in the Boy Scout Hall of Fame by organizing countless campouts, merit badge camps, Eagle Scout projects and Courts of Honor. In recognition of his efforts, Kent was honored with the Silver Beaver Award in 1982. Sharon was honored with the same award in 1989.

   Kent loves the outdoors. His love of fishing is legendary in the Upper Snake River Valley. There isn't a lake, reservoir, river, stream, creek, ditch, or puddle that hasn't been explored with his beloved rod and reel at least once in the last 40 years. It is my understanding that Scout troops who go on extended camping trips with Kent don't take much food with them. Wherever they go, Kent is sure to provide plenty of fresh trout for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kent taught his Scouts to appreciate the beauty around them as well as how to conserve it for future generations.

������   I wish Kent and Sharon Marlor many happy years in retirement and thank them both for the contribution to education and the youth of Idaho.