[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING VERONICA MACKENZIE FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE ON THE OCCASION OF 
                             HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 21, 2000

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join Area Cooperative Educational Services [ACES] in paying tribute 
to Veronica MacKenzie as she celebrates her retirement. For over three 
decades, Ronnie has dedicated herself to ensuring that the special 
needs children of the Greater New Haven area have access to a quality 
education.
  I have often spoke of our nation's need for talented, creative, 
enthusiastic teachers who are ready to help our children learn and 
grow. Ronnie is just that kind of educator. Throughout her career, she 
has touched the lives of thousands of young people. Ronnie's career 
began as a special education teacher at Jerome Harrison in North 
Branford, Connecticut. For over two decades, Ronnie has worked at ACES, 
an exceptional organization which has strived to meet the challenges of 
special needs students. As the Coordinator of the Academy since 1990, 
Ronnie has been instrumental in creating a supportive environment where 
children with disabilities can realize their potential and build a 
strong foundation for their future success.
  Before the U.S. Supreme Court acted to protect their basic freedoms, 
hundreds of thousands of disabled children received no formal education 
at all because they were deemed unable to learn. We should never go 
back to a time when the potential of so many bright young people, with 
so much to offer, was squandered due to a lack of understanding. Ronnie 
has been an unparalleled advocate for these children--giving them a 
strong voice and the opportunity to learn and thrive. With thirty-two 
years in special education, Ronnie is a true model, not only to her 
students, but to us all.
  I have always held a deep respect and tremendous admiration for our 
nation's educators. The commitment and dedication that Ronnie has 
demonstrated is remarkable and I applaud her many contributions to our 
community. I am proud to stand today to join with the friends, family, 
and colleagues who have gathered this evening to recognize her 
outstanding accomplishments and to celebrate her retirement. Ronnie has 
indeed become an irreplaceable member of our community. I would like to 
extend my sincere thanks and appreciation for her many years of service 
to the children of our community, as well as my best wishes for 
continued health and happiness.

                          ____________________