[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1351-E1352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO SISTER MARY MICHEL ON HER RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                          TEACHING PROFESSION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2002

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a very 
special teacher who has touched many lives. Seldom do we acknowledge 
the importance of the job or the depth of a teacher's commitment to our 
children. While

[[Page E1352]]

many people spend their lives building careers, teachers spend their 
careers building lives. For this they deserve our support, praise and 
gratitude.
  One teacher in particular deserves special recognition, Sister Mary 
Michel. After 58 years of touching the lives of countless children she 
has entered into retirement. Sister Michel has truly been a valued 
asset to those students, both in my district and the entire State of 
Ohio, in which she has been in contact. The children she has taught 
will become our future leaders, scientists, and teachers.
  Sister Michel's long and distinguished career began in the same area 
where she grew up, as a native of Sandusky, Ohio. After receiving her 
degree from Mary Manse College in Toledo, Ohio, and completing graduate 
work at St. Louis (Missouri) University, Sister Michel returned to the 
area to begin teaching elementary school at St. Mary Catholic School in 
Toledo. From that monumental day in 1944, Sister Michel has since 
served as an administrator and an intermediate schoolteacher. Until her 
recent retirement, Sister Michel spent the last 18 years educating the 
children of St. John Elementary in Delphos, Ohio. Not only is Sister 
Michel a remarkable teacher, but she also is a woman of deep faith who 
has been greatly involved in the parish communities of which she has 
served.
  Year after year professionals dedicate their lives to the future of 
America. There is no more important, or challenging, job than that of 
our nation's teachers. The job of a teacher is to open a child's mind 
to the magic of ideas, knowledge, and dreams. Also, teachers are the 
true guardians of American democracy by instilling a sense of 
citizenship in the children they teach. Teachers not only educate but 
also act as listeners, facilitators, role models, and mentors, 
encouraging our children to reach further than they would have thought 
possible. Teachers continue to influence us long after our school days 
are only memories.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to join me in paying special 
tribute to Sister Mary Michel. Numerous school children have been 
served well through the diligence and determination of dedicated 
teachers, like Sister Michel, who dedicate their lives to educating our 
youth. I am confident that Sister Michel will continue to serve her 
community and positively influence others around her, We wish her the 
very best on this special occasion.

                          ____________________