[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 102 (Friday, July 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TOM KNITTER LEAVES MILWAUKEE'S THOMAS MORE HIGH SCHOOL AFTER 33 YEARS

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                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2001

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to publicly thank Mr. Tom 
Knitter, an outstanding educator and community leader from my district, 
who is moving on to a new set of challenges and opportunities in 
California.
  Tom Knitter first began teaching social studies and physical 
education at Pio Nono High School in 1968. Ten years later, when Pio 
Nono merged with my alma mater, Don Bosco, Tom settled in at the newly 
formed Thomas More High School, where he became the assistant 
principal. With Tom as its wrestling coach from 1973 to 1982, the 
school brought home three state championships. In 1987 he was named 
principal of Thomas More, and seven years later he became the school's 
first president.
  Since that time Tom has worked tirelessly as the school's chief 
executive officer. He has been responsible for its strategic planning, 
development, finances, and marketing for the better part of a decade. 
On July 21, 2001, Tom celebrates his 33-year association with Thomas 
More High School, and says goodbye, as he leaves for a position with 
Garces High School in Bakersfield, California.
  Tom is leaving behind many friends, memories, and most importantly, 
many lives that were touched by his unparalleled dedication to molding 
today's students of Thomas More High School into tomorrow's leaders. 
The people of Bakersfield are privileged to gain the services of a 
talented educator with such a passion for his work.
  The void left by the departure of Tom and Josie, his wife of 30 
years, will not be easily filled. In addition to his responsibilities 
as the head of a National Blue Ribbon School, he has worked with groups 
such as the Healthier Communities Initiative, the Archdiocese of 
Milwaukee Marketing Committee, and the National Catholic Education 
Association.
  And so, it is with both great appreciation and sadness that I join 
the entire community at Thomas More High School in thanking Tom Knitter 
for his 33 years of exemplary service, and wishing him all the best in 
his future endeavors.

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