[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE CORNERSTONE CEREMONY FOR JOHN A. O'CONNELL TECHNICAL 
                              HIGH SCHOOL

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                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 1999

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
Cornerstone Ceremony for John A. O'Connell Technical High School in San 
Francisco.
  In 1989 the Loma Prieta earthquake virtually destroyed the facilities 
at John A. O'Connell Technical High School, and forced them to relocate 
the school temporarily for a period of ten years. In the year 2000 the 
John A. O'Connell Technical High School will return to its former site 
and a new building structure in the Mission District of San Francisco. 
John A. O'Connell Technical High School will be the first San Francisco 
public school of the Millenium. Its curriculum will be revised to 
reflect the role of technology for today's classrooms and workplaces as 
its focus moves from a traditional trade school to a school emphasizing 
a curriculum that will embody a ``school to career'' principle.
  On May 10, 1999, the Cornerstone Ceremony for John A. O'Connell 
Technical High School will be hosted by officers of the Grand Lodge of 
Free and Accepted Masons of California. It is a true reflection of our 
diversity of interests to bring together so many organizations in 
support of public education. The Masons have a rich tradition of 
serving our communities, particularly education, and we are grateful 
for their support over these many years. The man whose name we honor 
today--John O'Connell--served the San Francisco community as its labor 
leader for almost half a century as a founder of the Teamsters Union 
and the San Francisco Labor Council. Their extraordinary vision and 
commitment bring us once again to the doorsteps of a new center for 
education and learning in the Mission District.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Congress, let us join in celebrating our 
continued support for pubic education by commending the leaders and 
representatives of the San Francisco Mission District community, labor 
community, and Masonic Lodges and organizations and other individuals 
who have contributed to this historic occasion.

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