[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 159 (Friday, November 16, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          RINGGOLD HIGH SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK MASCARA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2001

  Mr. MASCARA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my gratitude to the 
students and faculty of Ringgold High School in Monongahela, 
Pennsylvania.
  The families of the September 11th attack victims need to know that 
people all across this Nation are with them during their time of 
mourning. Hundreds of Ringgold students have signed a huge banner 
articulating their thoughts and prayers. I am forwarding to President 
Bush a wonderful open letter they sent to the families of the victims 
of September 11, 2001, that accompanied the banner. I would like to now 
submit that letter to the Record.

                                         Ringgold School District,


                                         Ringgold High School,

                                        Monongahela, Pennsylvania.
     To the Families of the Victims of September 11, 2001:
       It is with heavy hearts that the students and staff of 
     Ringgold High School, Monongahela PA, extend our condolences.
       What can any of us say in these moments that seem to be 
     beyond words? How can we speak to those who mourn? The truth 
     is that we are Ringgold need not say much at all. Emily 
     Dickinson once wrote ``There is a hush in a home on the 
     morning after death, a silence that would be violated by too 
     many words''.
       We are with you in our silence with thoughts and prayers. 
     We must all keep hope. Hope to keep living amid desperation, 
     knowing that there is love, and trusting in tomorrow. We meet 
     good people all of the time but in the rush of life we 
     sometimes do not recognize them and look closely enough to 
     realize how their goodness also offers us a sign of what we 
     can yet become ourselves.
       As Americans we will not stand-alone. Our combined strength 
     will assure that freedom and justice will prevail.
       Again we extend our deepest condolences to the Families of 
     the Victims of September 11, 2001.
           Sincerely,
     Gina Sasko.
       President, Student Government.
     Matt Wujcik,
       President, Senior Class.
     Mike Bassi,
       President, Junior Class.
     Mike Wilson,
       President, Sophomore Class
     Lori Bartley,
       Student Activities Director.
     Shirley M. Culyba,
       Principal.

  Thank you students and staff of Ringgold High. I speak for this 
Congress in saying that we appreciate your thoughts.

                          ____________________