[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 27, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO ESTHER MASH ------

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 27, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to Esther Mash and thank her for her extraordinary 
contributions to the children of Mesa County and the State of Colorado. 
Her life-long dedication to her job as a schoolteacher and now as a 
volunteer at her local elementary school is matched only by the level 
of integrity and honesty with which she has conducted herself each and 
every day. The children whose lives she has touched are eternally 
grateful for all that she has taught them in her lifetime of public 
service.
  At age ninety-one, Esther is the oldest volunteer in the Mesa County 
Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Every weekday, Esther walks to Taylor 
Elementary to volunteer her mornings and afternoons to tutor needy 
children. Known to the children as ``Grandma Mash,'' Esther brings to 
the classroom the rare gift of a lifetime of experience gained as a 
teacher for over 20 years with District 51, located in southeast 
Colorado. She retired in 1975, after providing countless children with 
the gift of learning.
  Esther continued to dedicate her efforts to children when she moved 
to Palisade, Colorado in 1995. There, she began to volunteer at Taylor 
Elementary, and continues to enjoy the respect and adulation from 
colleagues and children throughout the school. The school community, 
from the principal and teachers to the children and parents, has 
repeatedly expressed their gratitude for Esther's volunteer efforts. 
Taylor Elementary recently awarded her efforts with the title of 
``extraordinary volunteer.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I bring to the attention of 
this body of Congress, and this nation, the life and spirit of such an 
incredible woman. Throughout her life, Esther has managed to enrich and 
improve the lives of those around her. She continues to dedicate her 
time and energy to bring the gift of learning to children throughout 
the community. Esther Mash is truly an inspiration to all of us and I 
am honored to recognize her passion for life and indomitable human 
spirit that sets an example of charity to us all.

                          ____________________