[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E75]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO BETTY FITZPATRICK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment 
to congratulate a remarkable woman, Betty Fitzpatrick, for her 
remarkable devotion to her community.
  Betty is being honored on January 31, 2001, by the National 
Association of School Nurses as the Nurse Administrator of the Year. 
Over the last eleven years, Betty has served as the Director of Health 
Services for Jefferson County Schools in Golden, Colorado. Betty 
oversees 136 schools in the Jefferson County area, where she has spent 
her life as an advocate for Colorado's youth. The depth of Betty's 
contributions goes much deeper than nursing. Her portfolio is witness 
to the difference she has made in the life of others: she has been the 
president and treasurer of her state nursing association, a prolific 
author, an advocate for legislation, grant writer, and a national 
presenter. Betty's contributions to the citizens of Colorado are great 
in number of deserve the recognition of this body.
  Betty is an extraordinary citizen. While her skills as a nurse have 
been tested daily throughout her accomplished career, on one day--a day 
our country will never forget--she was put to the test and taken to the 
limits. On April 20, 1999, an incomprehensible tragedy took place on 
the grounds of one of Betty's schools--Columbine High School. She was 
notified of the tragedy within minutes of its occurrence, and with 
hesitation she enacted an emergency plan and led the charge to assist 
the war-torn school.
  Betty is a tribute to nurses everywhere. Colleagues describe Betty as 
a quite nurse who handles herself with grace. Her enthusiasm to her 
work and her compassion is deserving of far more than this 
Congressional tribute. Ultimately, the highest compliment that she can 
ever receive is the trust and love of her patients and the community. 
That, Mr. Speaker, is exactly what she has earned.
  Betty is an inspiration for us all and for all these reasons she is 
deserving of this honor. It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I say thank 
you to Betty for her dedication and service to her community over the 
years. She has worked hard for her community and state, giving mightily 
of herself to her neighbors.
  For that, Betty, we are all profoundly grateful.

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