[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF MATTHEW F. RYAN, PRINCIPAL OF THORNDYKE ROAD 
                           ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2002

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Matthew F. 
Ryan, Principal of Thorndyke Road Elementary School in Worcester, 
Massachusetts. Mr. Ryan has been an educator in the Worcester Public 
Schools for past 36 years, and he is retiring at the conclusion of the 
school year.
  During his distinguished career with the Worcester Public Schools, 
Mr. Ryan has served as a teacher, guidance counselor, and principal to 
thousands of students across the City of Worcester. Indeed, as 
principal of Thorndyke Road Elementary School, Mr. Ryan worked 
diligently to instill pride in his school, boosted its reputation and 
academic achievements, welcomed parent involvement, and most 
importantly developed a school climate that fostered respect and 
encouragement for each student. His parting accomplishment is the 
construction of the Thorndyke Neighborhood Trail, which will be 
dedicated on May 31, 2002.
  Mr. Ryan is also deeply involved in the Worcester community. As a 
member of St. George's Catholic Church, Mr. Ryan is an active 
participant of the Diocesan Peace and Justice Committee as well as the 
Faith Into Action Homeless Coalition.
  Mr. Ryan graduated from Worcester State College, received a Master's 
Degree from Assumption College, and was a Jacob Hiatt fellow at Harvard 
University's Graduate School of Education. In addition to his 
educational and professional accomplishments, Mr. Ryan is the father of 
five and grandfather of four.
  Mr. Speaker, I am certain that the entire House of Representatives 
joins me in congratulating Mr. Ryan on his long career of service to 
the Worcester Public Schools, and wishes him the best of luck in 
retirement.

                          ____________________