[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 87 (Friday, June 20, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1277-E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO STUDENTS AT ST. LEO'S SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 1997

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to pay a special tribute to a distinguished pair of students from 
St. Leo's School, who reside in my district. Christopher and Jonathan 
Cadena are brothers who attend St. Leo's which is located at 104-19 
49th Avenue in Corona, Queens.
  Christopher Mark Cadena was born on January 6, 1989 and has just 
completed the second grade. As a second grader, in homeroom

[[Page E1278]]

2-2 instructed by Ms. Maria Delledera, Christopher has managed to excel 
in all of his subjects and achieve a record of straight A's. With the 
recent results of the National Achievement Test, Christopher ranked 
higher than 82 percent of 2d graders nationwide. Overall he is 
performing much higher than average in basic skills, reading, language 
and mathematics. It is my hope his achievement is a testament to his 
commitment to learning. Christopher's prospects of becoming an NBA 
basketball player for the New York Knicks will hopefully be realized 
but not without a solid educational background first. In spirit of the 
former Senator of New Jersey and former Knicks star the Honorable Bill 
Bradley. I wish him well.
  Jonathan Cadena, born on September 4, 1991, has completed his first 
step in what promises hopes to be a long, successful, and prosperous 
road to law school or a doctorate degree in the field of his choice. He 
has completed his kindergarten K-2 class, instructed by Mrs. Mancuso, 
and will be entering first grade in September. Christopher and Jonathan 
Cadena's continued hard work and effort will lead them to a successful 
future filled with hope and opportunity. None of this could be possible 
without the constant attention and support of their family. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hector and Amparo Cadena have the lifelong responsibility to 
ensure that their children always maintain a high standard in 
education. This should come easy as their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. 
Fausto and Beatriz Rosero have also committed themselves to raising and 
educating their children at St. Leo's. This is the second generation of 
the Rosero family to attend St. Leo's School. I hope it won't be the 
last.
  The students at St. Leo's School must learn that the value of 
education is priceless. St. Leo's has long provided the community of 
Corona and their students with the foundation necessary to be 
successful in all their endeavors. The next generation of graduates 
must not only be encouraged to complete their education, but to do it 
well. They are responsible for paving the way for a better and brighter 
future for their Nation, community, family, but most of all for 
themselves.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives 
to join me in encouraging the following students who have started down 
the right path toward a successful future: Jonathan Cadena--K-2; 
Christopher Cadena--2-2; Christopher Hernandez--3-1; Stephanie 
Hernandez--K-1; Ariana Medina--2-2; Andres Patino--1-1; Jessica 
Patino--3-2; Elizabeth Correa--2-1; Antony Paredes--3-1.
  On behalf of Mr. Paul Corsello principal, and Father Charles P. 
Keeney pastor of St. Leo's Parish, the students and most of all the 
teachers whose commitment to education are the most inspirational of 
all lessons, I congratulate everyone, especially the graduating class 
of 1997 for their dedication in achieving high standards and excellence 
in education. I wish all of them the best of luck in all their future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________