[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF ST. JOSEPH'S SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND: CONTINUING TO MAKE A 
     DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF SO MANY IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to St. 
Joseph's School for the Blind, an institution devoted to educating 
individuals with blindness and visual impairments for more than a 
century. The school's services and facilities have done much to bring a 
sense of hope and accomplishment to many special students in New 
Jersey. On October 7, 1996, the St. Joseph's School for the Blind will 
hold a dedication ceremony celebrating the opening of their new 
residence facility.
  As the only school for the blind in the State of New Jersey, St. 
Joseph's continues to make a difference in the lives of many students 
in need of services not available in standard academic institutions. 
The school has become more than a learning institution for these 
special students, it has become a home, a place where caring 
individuals provide an opportunity for students to reach their fullest 
potential in life.
  The opening of the new residence facility and the services that it 
will provide are important to the progress of this institution as we 
approach a new millennium. This new facility allows the school to offer 
not only a residential and functional academic education, but also the 
opportunity to master activities for everyday life. These services aim 
to help the students become fully integrated members of their 
communities following their graduation from the school.
  I would like to commend the efforts and contributions of the city of 
Jersey City, the County of Hudson, and the Department of Housing and 
Urban Development. Their support has helped bring this new facility to 
fruition.
  It is an honor to recognize the unique contributions of this 
outstanding learning institution. I ask that my colleagues join me in 
honoring St. Joseph's School for the Blind and all that it has done to 
keep the dreams of so many children alive.

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