[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 89 (Monday, June 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF MR. PHILIP PEMPIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 25, 2001

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Philip Pempin in 
recognition of his valor in saving a young boy's life.
  Mr. Pempin has been the dutiful principal of the Riverside Elementary 
School in Cleveland for the past three years. Mr. Pempin is a luminary 
of the Cleveland school system. It is because of his guidance and 
ambition that the Riverside Elementary School stands out in our 
district. His individualized and scrupulous attention toward each and 
every pupil in the school has helped the school rise high in terms of 
performance. Mr. Pempin exemplifies the ambition and diligence that we 
all strive for. Working without an assistant, Mr. Pempin strove to help 
his fourth graders pass all five parts of the Ohio proficiency test 
last year, soaring above the state average. Although Mr. Pempin's feats 
at work are unprecedented, the quality and beneficence of his person by 
far overshadow his already tremendous achievements in Cleveland's 
education system.
  Mr. Pempin is also a proud and dedicated father. However, not only is 
he father to his own children, but also to each and every pupil in the 
Riverside Elementary School, as demonstrated by his heroic feat on 
Thursday, June 14, 2001. At 12:30 p.m. in Riverside's cafeteria, six-
year-old Cody Boytek was visibly in trouble. Mr. Pempin saw that the 
child was choking and getting weaker by the minute. Taking quick 
action, Mr. Pempin successfully performed the Heimlich Maneuver on 
little Cody, dislodging the obstruction that almost took Cody's life. 
Mr. Pempin proceeded to carry the fragile child to his office where he 
waited for emergency medical workers to arrive. Forever at the service 
of his children, Mr. Pempin was cradling Cody in his arms as his mother 
arrived. It is due to Mr. Pempin's sincere love and devotion that 
little Cody was back at school the next day, alive and well.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Mr. Pempin, an outstanding 
father, principal and human being. Mr. Pempin exemplifies the service 
and honor that our city and nation stand for.

                          ____________________