[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 60 (Wednesday, May 13, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF PRINCIPAL PATRICIA K. O'CONNOR

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                        HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 1998

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few minutes today to 
give tribute to Ms. Patricia K. O'Connor, the principal of St. Edmund 
Elementary School, in recognition of her 25 years of service to the 
students of St. Edmund.
  Principal O'Connor spent her first twelve years at St. Edmund 
teaching students in the middle and upper grades before assuming the 
position of principal in 1984. Since then, her dedicated spirit and 
enthusiasm have left an indelible mark on St. Edmund Elementary School.
  During her tenure, Principal O'Connor has helped St. Edmund to 
flourish and grow. She introduced a pre-Kindergarten program and a 
full-day Kindergarten program for the benefit of the youngest students 
at St. Edmund. Keeping pace with new technologies, Principal O'Connor 
has ensured that the school has a fully equipped computer lab for use 
by the students. Her efforts have won Middle States Accreditation for 
St. Edmund Elementary School.
  A school is not just an academic institution, it is also a community 
of students, parents, and teachers. Principal O'Connor has contributed 
to this community in the same way, and with the same dedicated work, 
that she has contributed to the classrooms of St. Edmund Elementary. 
She has started the Children's Choir which performs at many Liturgical 
celebrations in addition to establishing a Children's Liturgy at Mass 
on the third Sunday of each month. She has organized school plays such 
as a Christmas Pageant and a Passion Play which is performed during 
Holy Week. By helping to start a student-run newspaper she has 
strengthened the sense of community at St. Edmund immeasurably.
  Principal O'Connor's talents have been previously recognized through 
her position as Liaison to District #22 for Remediation. I am sure that 
all of my colleagues today will be delighted to join with me in 
honoring Principal Patricia K. O'Connor for her twenty-five years of 
service to the community of St. Edmund Elementary School as a teacher, 
a principal, and as a leader.

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