[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 49 (Thursday, April 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




GUAM'S EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS MOURN THE PASSING OF DR. MANUEL BARTONICO

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                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 4, 2001

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of Guam's 
finest educators, Dr. Manuel Bartonico. He was a highly professional 
administrator in Guam's public schools who was able to generate a sense 
of community from students and a commitment to excellence from teachers 
wherever he went. He was an accomplished teacher, a well-respected 
principal, a highly regarded member of our island community and a proud 
husband and father.
  His accomplishments were numerous. He was a science teacher in the 
secondary schools, he was a principal in several secondary schools 
including some which were difficult to administrate. He had a calming, 
professional presence which inspired those around him to do the very 
best that they could. He provided an environment in which good teachers 
became better and good students become the best. He received a 
doctorate in education from the University of Oregon and was regularly 
consulted by his colleagues and policy makers for his insights.
  I am requesting permission to insert into the Record a column by 
Aline Yamashita printed in the April 5, 2001 edition of the Pacific 
Daily News. Dr. Yamashita is a leader in Guam's educational community 
who understands well the contributions of Dr. B.
  Dr. Bartonico passed away as a relatively young man. He passed away 
on March 30, 2001 at the age of 43 years old. He was participating in a 
``fun run'' event for Agueda Johnston Middle School. I visited Dr. 
Bartonico on March 23 at Agueda Johnston for a flag presentation. I 
complimented him for his leadership in what is clearly an overcrowded 
school in need of substantial repair. The students and teachers clearly 
had a high regard for him and I could see that he was a role model for 
his fellow educators. He was my student many years ago when I was a 
professor at the University of Guam. He was an excellent student. More 
importantly, I noticed then that he would be an exemplary leader in our 
island's schools.
  Dr. Bartonico leaves behind Rowena Santos Bartonico, his wife, and 
two daughters, Valerie and Gabriella. I extend to them and his mother, 
Mrs. Valeriana Bartonico, my deepest condolences in this trying time. 
We will all miss him.

            [From the Guam Pacific Daily News, Apr. 5, 2001]

    We'll Miss Dr. B's Competence, Compassion, Concern for Education

                          (By Aline Yamashita)

       He came across as quiet and reserved. If you didn't work 
     with him, you wouldn't know otherwise.
       If you worked with Manny Bartonico, you were thankful he 
     was on your team. When a point needed to be made, he argued 
     and he argued well. When a task needed to be completed, it 
     was done. He was focused and competent. He had a sense of 
     humor that would seem to illuminate from nowhere, always at 
     the right time.
       He used to ride a bicycle around Southern High School to 
     get from one point to another. ``It's quicker, Aline,'' he 
     explained to me. At one commencement ceremony, he sang to his 
     graduating seniors.
       When he was assigned as the first principal of Southern 
     High School, he knew it was going to be a tough assignment. 
     He had two school communities that did not want to become 
     one. He had a facility that was not completed. He lacked 
     instructional supplies. But the orders to make it work were 
     given. And, considering all of the odds, Manny succeeded.
       He had the ability to identify educational leaders. Agnes 
     Pitlik was one such person. Manny recruited her as an 
     assistant principal while they were at Piti Middle School.
       ``While he worked us hard, he was incredibly compassionate. 
     He had such good people skills,'' she said. Agnes described 
     how he taught her the need to delegate, to trust others to 
     help get the job done. ``His evaluative feedback was useful 
     and meaningful. He made a real difference in my professional 
     growth.''
       Debra Santos, a teacher at Agueda Johnston Middle School, 
     described Manny as a really good person.
       ``He worked hard, he expected us to work hard and he LET us 
     work. He empowered us to get the job done. He respected us 
     and trusted us to know what we were doing.''
       Tom Quinata, Manny's best man at his wedding, described 
     Manny as a caring dad. As I listened to Tom, I remembered the 
     conversations Manny and I had about his growing daughters. 
     Typical adolescent issues faced them. I would listen and 
     smile. He was a dad who was very concerned about what was 
     going on and how to make sure it was going the right 
     direction.
       Manny was a school leader at F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle 
     School, Piti Middle School, Southern High, Agueda Johnston 
     Middle School. He was a 1975 John F. Kennedy Islander. He was 
     a certified science teacher. He had a M.Ed. in administration 
     supervision. He earned a doctorate from the University of 
     Oregon.
       Tony Diaz, spokesman for the Department of Education, 
     referred to Manny as an anchor. ``You could depend on Manny 
     to help form opinions on issues.'' Tony said.
       His opinions were meaningful because he had been a teacher, 
     an assistant principal, and a principal in this system. He 
     knew what he was talking about. And he cared.
       Manny had a vision for public education. During the field 
     testing of the regional system, he served as a regional 
     leader. He knew the sense of working with schools that 
     articulated into one another. He knew the importance of 
     cohesiveness and connectivity. He knew the significance of 
     stability.
       Manny's death symbolizes the fact that time does not sit 
     still. Manny wanted to see the potential of our system. He 
     was frustrated with the changing mandates and resulting 
     consequences.
       To those of us who had the honor of working with Manuel 
     Bartonico, we will always appreciate his focus, discipline, 
     competence, humor and passion. We will miss him leading a 
     school. We will miss the grin that grew into a big smile when 
     he shook his head from side to side.
       Manny, thank you for your spirit and for your work. As you 
     keep an eye on us, know that we will continue your work. We 
     will try to match your dedication, commitment, drive and care 
     for the kids.
       Rowena, Valerie and Gabby--thank you for sharing your dad 
     with us. While he gave up valuable time with you for other 
     children and families, he held you in the highest regard. He 
     cared deeply about you.
       Dr. B., thank you. We miss you.

       

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