[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 68 (Tuesday, June 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E903-E904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. RONALD UZELAC

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2000

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to a truly outstanding 
citizen of Sacramento, Dr. Ronald Uzelac. On June 8, 2000, he will be 
retiring as Principal of Rio Americano High School in Sacramento, 
California. As his friends and co-workers gather to celebrate his 
retirement, I ask all my colleagues to join with me in saluting his 
remarkable career.
  Dr. Uzelac attended California State University, Sacramento, where he 
received his B.A. Degree and Teaching Credential. He continued his 
educational pursuits there and went on to receive a Master's Degree in 
Education and his Administrative Credential.
  Over the years, he has dedicated himself to educating today's youth. 
He has served as an Elementary Vice Principal, Elementary Principal, 
Junior High School Principal, and High School Principal.
  In these various educational posts, Dr. Uzelac has accumulated a vast 
collection of awards and citations. In 1983, he received the 
Administrator of the Year, Secondary Level by the Association of 
California School Administrators. He has been recognized with the ACSA 
Silver Star Award (Region 3) for leadership in developing a National 
Blue Ribbon School in March of 1996. In addition, he was the recipient 
of an Honorary Service Award Administrator of the Year from the San 
Juan PTA Council in April of 1996.
  The list of accolades for Dr. Uzelac's schools is as extensive as his 
personal awards. Some of these include the California Distinguished 
Schools Award in 1988, 1990, and 1994. Also, he received national 
recognition from the Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon 
School in 1996. Further achievements include recognition as one of 
Redbook's ``American Best Schools'' in 1996. His was one of only five 
California schools recognized for overall excellence.
  In an effort to improve his schools, Dr. Uzelac has implemented 
programs to ensure their continued success. One such program is 
CIVITAS: a Political Studies Academy with restructured curriculum 
aligned with school-to-career emphasis. This has been in place since 
1994.
  Over the years, Dr. Uzelac has been recognized by California State 
Senator Patrick Johnston, former California State Senator Leroy Greene, 
and myself for his tremendous leadership and dedication to the youth of 
Sacramento. He is a very valuable member of our community.
  Mr. Speaker, as Dr. Uzelac's friends and coworkers gather to 
celebrate his retirement, I am honored to pay tribute to one of 
Sacramento's most outstanding citizens. Dr. Uzelac's contributions to 
Sacramento and California have indeed been commendable. I ask all of my 
colleagues to join with me in wishing him and his family continued 
success in all their future endeavors.

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