[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E429]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING ELAINE CARDONICK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. BORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Elaine Cardonick, a 
devoted teacher who gave the last days of her life to her students at 
the Loesche Elementary School in Northeast Philadelphia. Mrs. 
Cardonick, despite being very ill, would not allow her class of 
autistic children to be disturbed and upset by her absence. She was 
with her class when the tragic events of September 11th occurred, and 
finally went to the emergency room following the subsequent early 
closing of schools. Mrs. Cardonick passed away in the hospital the 
following day.
  Elaine Cardonick began teaching in 1964 and was a special education 
teacher for most of her long and distinguished career. Over the course 
of thirty-seven years, she was an inspiration to hundreds of young 
children who are challenged daily to achieve their best in school and 
in life.
  Mrs. Cardonick's actions in putting her students' welfare before her 
own are a shining example of what love and duty really mean. She was an 
inspiration to the students and faculty at the Loesche Elementary 
School and will be remembered as a hero.
  On March 22, 2002, a plaque will be dedicated by the faculty at the 
Loesche Elementary School, in memory of Elaine Cardonick. Each year, 
the plaque will be engraved with the name of a ``special'' child who, 
despite having a disability or handicap, made every effort to achieve 
their best. This award was created to commemorate the courage and 
determination that Mrs. Cardonick exemplified throughout her career, 
and especially in September of 2001.
  Elaine' love and kindness touched the lives of so many: her students, 
her colleagues, and her family. She is survived by her husband, three 
children, and three grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew 
her.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute Mrs. Elaine Cardonick and the ideals she 
represented and inspired in all of her students at the Loesche 
Elementary School in Philadelphia.

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