[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 25, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  IN HONOR OF VIRGINIA STEINEL JACOBSEN, KAREN BRAVERMAN, AND ANTONIA 
         BAUMANDER FOR THEIR WORK AS EDUCATORS AND ROLE MODELS

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 25, 1994

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Virginia 
Steinel Jacobsen, Karen Braverman, and Antonia Baumander on the day of 
their retirement from the staff of Emerson High School in Union City, 
NJ. As educators they have worked long and hard to prepare our young 
adults for the professional and personal challenges that lie ahead.
  Educators are like sculptors, but rather than molding a piece of 
clay, they handcraft the future of our Nation. They instill respect, 
confidence, and a love of learning in our children. Today I wish to 
take note of three exceptional individuals who have each made 
contributions to Emerson High School in unique ways.
  Karen Braverman has served as a teacher for 26 years--the last 23 
years at Emerson. As a science teacher, she has distinguished herself. 
In 1980, she won teacher of the year honors. Her area of special 
interest is microbiology and I need tell no one here the challenge that 
sort of curriculum presents to a teacher. Mrs. Braverman has a talent 
for bringing the wonder of science to life for young adults. In the 
midst of her hectic teaching schedule, she still found time to coach 
the varsity tennis team from 1973 through 1979.
  Virginia Steinel Jacobsen has spent the last 20 years in the Union 
City school system, the last 10 years as Assistant Administrator of the 
Federal lunch program and as a clerk. I take particular pride in 
Virginia's accomplishments, because of my close relationship to her. 
She is my mother-in-law. Virginia raised four wonderful children, 
including my wife, and has been a wonderful role model for my two 
children. I can personally attest to her love for and dedication to 
children.
  Antonia ``Toni'' Baumander has dedicated the last 10 years of her 
life to working as Emerson's nurse. Any time a student became ill they 
went to see Mrs. Baumander, who was always there to dole out sound 
medical advice. She diligently oversaw the health of Emerson's 
students. Prior to her work at Emerson, she served at a variety of 
hospitals and even served at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, 
TX, during the Korean war.
  The residents of Union City owe a great debt to Mrs. Virginia Steinel 
Jacobsen, Mrs. Antonia Baumander, and Mrs. Karen Braverman for their 
years of service to the community. These three women have made 
significant contributions to our educational system and they deserve 
our praise and our special thanks on the day of their retirement.

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