[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 132 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1837-E1838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING BROTHER JAMES L. ROMOND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN E. SWEENEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 18, 2000

  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I wish to remember Brother James L. Romond, 
who passed away at the age of 56 on October 9, 2000. Brother James 
dedicated his entire life to educating and guiding America's youth. He 
served as Principal at La Salle Institute in Upstate New York since 
1982.
  Brother James was born on September 9, 1944 in Queens, New York and 
graduated from St. Joseph's Juniorate High School in Barrytown, New 
York in 1962. He entered the Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1963 
and began a life long career of helping others. Brother James earned a 
bachelors degree in education from Catholic University of America in 
Washington, D.C. in 1967. He received his masters degree from Manhattan 
College in Riverdale, New York in 1971 and Certification in School 
Administration and Supervision from Fordham University in 1973.
  Brother James believed that every child could achieve and provided 
the spark required to ignite their creativity, imagination and 
interest. He was known for teaching his students the value of community 
service, especially for the poor and needy. Annually from 1991-98, 
under the leadership of Brother James, La Salle's students contributed 
more food to an Upstate New York food drive than any other local 
school. Additionally, he brought the La Salle students together during 
Christmas for the annual Toy Drive in which they donated over 500 toys 
each year for the past 15 years. Brother James cared deeply for the 
disadvantaged and took steps to help them whenever he could.
  Brother James was a friend and role model to thousands of youngsters. 
His presence will be missed in the halls, at the bus stop, and at the 
school's sporting events. You see, Mr. Speaker, Brother James made it a 
point to go out to the buses at the end of each school day to give 
students a few encouraging words and ensure they were safely on their 
way home. He cheered his students' accomplishments at every sporting 
event held at the campus. He arrived in his office by 6:00 am each 
day--ready to guide students through the days activities. Most 
importantly, he always made himself available to his students--twenty-
four hours a day, seven days a week. He created a friendly, kind, and 
compassionate atmosphere in which students could learn and grow.
  La Salle Institute in Troy, New York was twice selected as a National 
School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education 
during his tenure as principal for grades 6 through 12. Brother James 
previously served in several capacities at the Good Shepherd School in 
New York City. He taught grades 6 through 8, served as assistant 
principal, and fulfilled the role of principal for grades 5 through 8. 
He was an extraordinary educator who touched his student's hearts and 
minds and allowed them to believe in themselves.
  Brother James was also a major force in the planning and development 
of several major construction projects at La Salle. His innovative 
planning made it possible for the school to add on a new wing of 
classrooms, a state-of-the-art library and fully equipped computer 
room. He also laid the groundwork for construction of a new gymnasium, 
cafeteria, and modem kitchen facility. Brother James was particularly 
excited about the plans for the kitchen. He enjoyed cooking very much, 
and prepared meals at all the senior picnics and faculty and staff 
occasions. I am sure his students will fondly remember his skills in 
the kitchen whenever they dine in the new facility.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in remembering the significant 
contributions of Brother James L. Romond. Brother James' dedication to 
religion and education were admirable, as was his desire to see his 
students succeed. He was a confidante to many young people and will be 
remembered as an educational icon whose life mission was to instill 
moral values and a sense of faith in students.

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