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


                       IN HONOR OF MARY KAY KOSA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2000

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
absolutely elegant woman. Mary Kay Kosa has been an educator and school 
administrator in the Monroe Public Schools for the past 50 years. She 
is also a dedicated volunteer, community activist and public servant 
who is the epitome of an involved and caring citizen. Mary Kay is 
admired by all and commands my highest respect and admiration as well. 
Mary Kay has decided to retire from her career in education where she 
currently serves as the principal of two Monroe elementary schools. She 
will undoubtedly be missed by the Monroe Public School System, but I 
take some measure of comfort in knowing that Mary Kay's kind and giving 
nature will make it impossible for her to also retire from her 
community activism.
  Always independent and feisty, Mary Kay does not take no for an 
answer and will always fight for what is right. In the 1950's, Mary Kay 
stood up to the paranoia and censorship created by McCarthyism, she 
continued to teach her students the truth about the world and withstood 
fervent attempts to stop her. A champion of the poor, underprivileged 
and challenged, Mary Kay used her tremendous compassion and energy to 
serve as an effective advocate for those who are in need and less 
fortunate.
  While always dedicated to first educating Monroe's children, Mary Kay 
has also managed to serve as a member and chair of several boards and 
commissions. The Huron Valley Girl Scout Council, Monroe Historic 
Districts Committee, Child and Family Services Board, Monroe County 
Mental Health Board, Monroe Housing Commission, Monroe County United 
Way Board of Directors, Monroe City Planning Commission, Salvation Army 
Advisory Council, The Art Lebow Community Center, Monroe County 
Opportunity Program, and the American Association of University Women 
have all benefited from Mary Kay's leadership and involvement.
  A proud and active member of the Michigan Education Association, Mary 
Kay has used her activism, involvement and leadership to make public 
education better for our children. She has also utilized her talents to 
create a better situation for generations of public school teachers.
  Mary Kay has been married to Edward Kosa for 41 years. Their loving 
relationship speaks volumes about the outstanding character of this 
wonderful woman and her terrific family. Mary Kay remains a valuable 
advisor, confidant and friend. She has touched the lives of everyone in 
Monroe County in a meaningful and substantial way and the community 
will be ever grateful for her dedication and good deeds.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to rise with me in tribute to 
a fine educator and public servant, Mary Kay Kosa.

                          ____________________