[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 29 (Monday, March 10, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO FATHER ROBERT D. KENNEY

 Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, each of us--not just those of us 
here in the Senate, but virtually every American--can remember someone; 
a teacher, a coach, a principal, who made a singular contribution to 
our lives during our school days. Someone who helped to show us the way 
as we passed through adolescence and into adulthood. Someone who was a 
role model, a mentor, a confidante, a friend.
  For more than forty years, Father Robert Kenney has been such an 
individual in the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of young men who 
have attended Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware. As a teacher 
of mathematics, he prepared them for college and careers; as Athletic 
Director and baseball coach for 34 years, he molded the skills and the 
characters of young athletes, teaching lessons on the ball-field which 
would remain with his players throughout their adult lives. As 
Salesianum's principal, and later president, he maintained and 
broadened the school's fine reputation for building young men of 
character, young men whose sense of integrity, honor, compassion, and 
civic-mindedness were as great as their knowledge of mathematics, 
history, or literature. Today, Salesianum graduates can be found among 
the leaders in business and industry, education and the law, public 
service and community affairs can be found not only throughout 
Delaware, but across the Nation as well. A great many of them trace 
their leadership skills, in addition to their academic knowledge, to 
Father Kenney and the atmosphere he maintained at Salesianum School.
  Father Kenney has been more than teacher and coach, more than 
principal and president, even more than mentor to scores of young men. 
He is a major part of the beautiful and rich history of Salesianum and 
the contributions that the school has made to our city, our State, and 
the lives of so many of us. He is, quite simply, one of the heroes of 
our time in the State of Delaware.
  The high school I attended, Archmere Academy, is one of Salesianum's 
great rivals on the athletic field. There were a number of spring 
afternoons when I looked across the baseball diamond and hoped 
fervently that this would be the game when we would finally beat Father 
Kenney's well-coached and talented team. It never happened. Father 
Kenney would always figure out a way to squeeze out a win against the 
Archers. Often, it wasn't close.
  But as much of a rivalry as existed between the two schools, Father 
Kenney was someone I respected immensely, for his character as a man 
and as an educator was legendary. During my years in public service, as 
I have witnessed on an even greater scale Father Kenney's contribution 
to our community, my admiration has only deepened.
  This June, Father Kenney will be stepping down as Salesianum's 
president, though he will remain involved in the life of the school and 
the community. He calls Salesianum ``my life's work,'' and intends to 
continue to work with the school, its alumni association, and the 
people of our community. He probably knows this, but even if his ties 
to school and community weren't so strong, we wouldn't let him cease to 
be involved.
  As Salesianum's baseball coach, Father Kenney and his teams compiled 
a record of 411 wins against only 168 losses, for a winning percentage 
of .710. It is an impressive record, but I can tell you that his 
winning percentage in developing young men of great character is even 
more impressive.
  On behalf of our fellow Delawareans, I wish Father Kenney the best 
for his newest venture. Yet I promise you, Father Kenney, Delawareans 
are going to keep you busy.

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