[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 115 (Thursday, September 4, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF MELINE KASPARIAN

 Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, on Saturday, August 16th, 1997, this 
nation lost a leader in the fight for quality public education. The 
history of this country demonstrates that it is only through education 
that we can give the next generation the tools they need to prosper and 
advance, and Meline Kasparian of Massachusetts embodied this commitment 
every day of her professional life.
  Meline spent twenty-five years in the classrooms of Springfield, 
Massachusetts, teaching two subjects that she loved dearly: English and 
theater. Her students were profoundly touched by her ability to present 
works from a broad spectrum of history and make them relevant and 
applicable to the modern age. In the course of teaching, she exposed 
her students to a broad variety of artists, including the works of 
African-American playwrights and authors such as James Baldwin and 
Julius Lester. This love of art, literature and history inspired her to 
work with the Black Repertory Theatre at the University of 
Massachusetts/Amherst, where her extensive contributions will be missed 
for years to come.
  Ultimately, though, Ms. Kasparian will be remembered for her 
contributions to education on both the local and state level. From 1987 
to 1996, Meline Kasparian devoted her time to numerous associations 
committed to retaining the highest educational standards in the 
country. Her career as a committed leader in Massachusetts began with 
her service as president of the Springfield Education Association in 
1987 and culminated in her election as president of the Massachusetts 
Teachers Association, an organization 80,000 members strong, in 1996.
  Ms. Kasparian's fight for quality public education made her prominent 
on the national stage, as well. At conferences, workshops and round-
tables, she worked with politicians and education advocates from all 
over the country. She included in her focus numerous Democratic 
National Conventions, where she proudly represented the people of 
Massachusetts as a delegate. At these and other national conferences, 
Meline distinguished herself as a tireless advocate for the expansion 
of educational opportunities. Realizing the impact it had on 
educational priorities, she invested considerable time in the electoral 
process of her state, working on campaigns for legislators such as John 
Olver, and, I am proud to say, in my re-election campaign in 1996.
  Ms. Kasparian's charity and service extended beyond her profession. 
She hosted fundraisers for international relief organizations, 
demonstrating her deep and unselfish commitment to improving the 
quality of life for others throughout the world. In and of themselves, 
her contributions to housing through the work of the Amherst Housing 
Review Board, which she helped to establish, are worthy of recognition.
  It is with our knowledge of Meline Kasparian as an influential leader 
and a selfless and caring woman that we honor her for her efforts in 
educating thousands of young people across Massachusetts and attempting 
to bring educational opportunities to every child.

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