[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING DR. GERALD TIROZZI FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FIELD OF 
                               EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 1997

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on May 9, 1997, my good friend, Dr. Gerald 
Tirozzi, is being honored by the Farnam Neighborhood House for his 
years of service to the city of New Haven. I am very pleased to 
recognize Dr. Tirozzi's extraordinary career in the field of education.
  As a nation, nothing should be a higher priority than the education 
of our kids. How and what our children learn in school will have direct 
repercussions for the future of our country. Talented, energetic, and 
dedicated educators are the best way to ensure our kids have a strong 
beginning. Gerry Tirozzi has devoted his life and career to making 
certain our kids have every opportunity to succeed. Born and raised in 
New Haven, CT, Gerry began teaching science in a New Haven school in 
1959.
  His career has now taken him far from that school but his heart 
remains in the classroom. In the past 35 years, he has held a number of 
positions of leadership in the field of education and has an 
exceptional record of accomplishments. He has always focused on raising 
the expectations we have of our students. Gerry truly believes that all 
our kids have the ability to excel and, while serving as Connecticut's 
commissioner of education, instituted reforms that significantly raise 
academic standards for students. Every parent wants their child to have 
the best education and Gerry's work in this State has helped make that 
possible.
  On January 19, 1996, Gerry was appointed Assistant Secretary for 
Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education 
by President Clinton. This appointment has given Gerry the opportunity 
to serve not only the city of New Haven and the State of Connecticut, 
but to have an impact on kids in every community in the country. A 
tireless advocate, Gerry has used this position to continue his 
lifelong goal of improving education for all children.
  Gerry's contributions to education at the local, State, and national 
level will be honored by Farnam Neighborhood House with the Community 
Service Award. Located in New Haven, Farnam is a community center which 
runs social and educational programs for children through seniors. A 
terrific asset to the New Haven community, Farnam brings people 
together and gives kids a positive way to spend time. As a child, Gerry 
was a member of Farnam and worked as a game room supervisor there 
during his college years. I commend Farnam Neighborhood House and I 
applaud Gerry's association with this great organization.
  Dr. Tirozzi's work has touched countless children and made 
significant improvements in the quality of their education and their 
lives. I am proud to rise today on his behalf.

                          ____________________