[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 92 (Friday, June 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   BRENDA McDONNELL AND HELEN MOONEY RECOGNIZED AS TWO EXTRAORDINARY 
                                TEACHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 25, 1999

  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two extraordinary 
teachers from the eight Congressional District of Massachusetts, Brenda 
McDonnell and Helen Mooney. Both are educators at East Somerville 
Community School and have been selected to receive the Time Warner 
Cable's 1998-1999 National Teacher Award. These exceptional women are 
two of only fifteen teachers selected out of hundreds of entries from 
across the country.
  Ms. McDonnell and Ms. Mooney together organized a project for their 
seventh grade students called the ``Cable Enhanced Classroom.'' through 
this project, students were encouraged to explore an area of their 
interest that was related to the themes of National History Day: 
Science, Technology and Inventions. Over a ten-week period, forty-seven 
seventh-grade students prepared media presentations, plays, display 
boards, and research papers by referencing programs from sources such 
as A&E, the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, the Learning 
Channel, and the Internet.
  Time Warner Cable has recognized Ms. McDonnell's and Ms. Mooney's 
project as an example of exemplary teaching. Both teachers will share 
the $1,000.00 grant presented to them at an awards dinner honoring 
their initiative and achievement. These teachers have been a positive 
influence and an inspiration to other educators and students 
nationwide. Their achievement illustrates the significant impact 
teachers make when challenging their students with thought provoking 
assignments.
  Education is of great importance to me. In particular, I believe it 
is vital to attract and encourage enthusiastic teachers. Honoring 
dedicated instructors such as Mr. McDonnell and Ms. Mooney helps to 
reveal our immense appreciation and encourages the same innovation in 
future projects.

                          ____________________