[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 77 (Monday, June 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          IN HONOR OF MS. ROBINSON, MS. KORALJA, MS. GARDENER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 15, 1998

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gloria Robinson, 
Gloria R. Koralja and Audrey Taylor Gardener, three individuals who are 
retiring from the Jersey City Head Start Program after years of 
outstanding service. Head Start programs across the country provide 
educational opportunities for kids from lower income families. These 
teachers, administrators, and social workers working with the Head 
Start Programs are heroes for bringing America closer to its ideal of 
equal opportunity for all.
  Gloria Robinson has invested her time and energy over the years into 
helping others. In 1996 she initiated her career in social service by 
working as a Program Aide in A. Harry Moore Gardens Head Center and 
went on to serve as SHARE coordinator at the Center. Ms. Robinson 
gained more experience as she became certified as a group leader for 
Looking At Life Parent Education and as she completed Literacy 
Volunteers of America tutor training. Ms. Robinson went on to initiate 
AHM pocket park in Lincoln Park. In addition, she fought for the 
elimination of PJP landfill and for necessary pulmonary testing for 
children in AHM housing development. Ms. Robinson has been involved 
with Head Start since her training for Head Start at New York 
University in 1996.
  Gloria R. Koralja, also a woman of great service, began her work with 
Jersey City Child Development Centers in 1985. She served as a 
classroom teacher and head teacher for pre-school Head Start children. 
Ms. Koralja knows the value of a good education. She received a science 
degree from Philippines Normal College in 1963 and continued her 
learning as she received a degree in Child Counseling from Jersey State 
College in 1973. Besides her work with children and with Head Start as 
an organization, Ms. Koralja also spends her time as a member of St. 
Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Jersey City. For 12 years, she has 
invested her time and caring into the Jersey City Head Start Program.
  Audrey Taylor Gardener has worked with Jersey City Child Development 
Centers since 1966. Her work at the Centers included organizing parent 
committees, assisting families with social problems and taking care of 
many of the needs of her students inside and outside of the classroom. 
Ms. Gardener received her degree in Urban Studies at St. Peter's 
College in 1981. She is presently involved in many other activities 
including serving as President of Trinity American Lutheran Church 
Women and being a member of Chapel Avenue Block Association.
  I thank these women for their effort, hard work and caring. They have 
provided tremendous support for their students, the Jersey City Head 
Start Program and the families they have touched over the years. Thank 
you for your outstanding services to Jersey City.

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