WASHINGTON (October 10) – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) today extended his personal congratulations to Calera High School teacher Brian Copes for being named a People magazine “Teacher of the Year.”

Copes, a Principles of Engineering teacher whose students have earned national attention for their work in building prosthetic legs and basic utility vehicles for individuals in underdeveloped nations, is receiving the award at a ceremony in New York City today.

Congressman Bachus visited Calera High School on August 25, 2011 to meet with Copes and his students and learn about the program. (For more information, click here.) This past summer, Copes took students to Honduras to fit patients with prosthetic legs built by the students and to teach residents how to construct the vehicles.

Congressman Bachus wrote a letter of commendation to Copes, stating, “It is with extraordinary pride that I write to congratulate you on being named one of People magazine’s ‘Teachers of the Year.’ As one of only five in the nation, this is certainly a prestigious honor in which you should take incredible pride. You are a true ambassador for our great state, and I am grateful for your example of servant leadership to all.”

Bachus also extended his commendations to the pre-engineering students at Calera High School, the supportive faculty and administration, and the Shelby County Schools.

“Our students can achieve great things with dedicated teachers and a supportive school environment,” said Congressman Bachus.