[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 71 (Friday, June 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF HELEN STEINEL'S RETIREMENT AFTER 30 YEARS IN EDUCATION

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 2000

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Helen Steinel on her 
retirement after 30 years in education.
  Helen Steinel began her illustrious career in education as a teacher. 
She taught at Holy Family, St. Joseph's, St. Joseph and Michael, and 
Mother Seton elementary schools, all schools in Union City, NJ. For the 
last several years, Helen has been the principal of Mother Seton 
School, where she is a mentor to her faculty, and where she has 
educated teachers as well as children in her work with student 
teachers.
  For 30 years, Helen has dedicated herself to the education of 
children, and for 30 years, she has touched the lives of students and 
teachers in a way that her years of dedication cannot measure. Helen 
understands and imparts to others the knowledge that education is a 
profound tool for understanding the world and a necessary instrument in 
realizing one's full potential as a human being.
  It is said that teaching another something of value takes compassion, 
understanding, and patience; and absent these virtues, the simple 
process of imparting knowledge can become strained and cumbersome, 
leaving both teacher and pupil estranged, unable to truly learn from 
each other. In honoring Helen today, I honor the virtues that allow 
teachers to become great educators.
  Today, I ask that my colleagues join me as I honor Helen Steinel, a 
great woman and educator I respect and admire.

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