[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 74 (Wednesday, June 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO SISTER JOHN NORTON BARRETT, O.P.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 1998

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pleasure to honor 
Sister John Norton Barrett, who is celebrating her 50th anniversary as 
an Adrian Dominican sister.
  Through her faith, dedication and service, Sister John Norton has 
become one of the pillars of South Florida. She is widely recognized in 
our community for her dedication to excellence and her achievements in 
education.
  In 1948, when Sister John Norton entered the Adrian Dominican 
Congregation, she had a heartfelt passion to serve the Church and the 
community through education. She graduated from Siena Heights College 
and later continued her studies at Barry University where she received 
a Master's Degree in Administration and Supervision.
  She began her teaching at St. Mary's Elementary School in 1949 and by 
1957 was principal of St. Matthew's School in Jacksonville. In 1963, 
she moved down to Miami Beach as principal of St. Patrick's High 
School.
  In 1966 Sister John Norton joined the faculty of St. Thomas Aquinas 
High School. She served at St. Thomas for over thirty years as 
mathematics teacher, vice principal and principal. After her 
retirement, she continued her work for St. Thomas as director of the 
Development Office. Her tireless efforts and strong leadership have 
made St. Thomas Aquinas High School one of the top Catholic schools in 
the nation. The many awards and achievements for St. Thomas include the 
U.S. Department of Education Exemplary School Award as a Blue Ribbon 
School of Excellence for both 1985 and 1996. This year, alone, the high 
school boasts 21 National Merit Semifinalists and 26 Commended 
Students.
  One of Sister John's most significant contributions to our community 
was the establishment of a community service program for St. Thomas 
Aquinas' students. This program, with the enthusiastic support of the 
students, requires that students dedicate 20 hours of service to needs 
in our community. As a result of this program, tens of thousands of 
service hours are given to the Broward County community each year.
  Personally, Sister John Norton has been awarded the Primum Regnum Dei 
Ward from the Archdiocese of Miami in honor of her devoted service to 
the Lord and his Church. She has also received the Silver Medallion 
Brotherhood Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews 
for her efforts in encouraging good human relations among all people.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout the United States there are unfortunately too 
few individuals who dedicate their lives to education and community 
service. For fifty years, Sister John Norton has worked tirelessly for 
these causes, and we in South Florida are truly grateful. I am sure I 
speak for all my colleagues in congratulating Sister John Norton 
Barrett as she celebrates her golden jubilee as an Adrian Dominican 
sister.

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