[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 125 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JOHN J. BIONDI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2002

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who 
has spent his entire career dedicated to improving the education of our 
children, particularly those in New Jersey. As a key figure at the New 
Jersey Education Association, Mr. John J. Biondi demonstrated the type 
of leadership this country needs to advance its educational system so 
that students receive the education they deserve and need to compete in 
the twenty-first century global economy.
  Born and raised in New Jersey, Mr. Biondi is a product of the Garden 
State's school system, where as a teacher he became a part of the 
school system as well. For 31 years, Mr. Biondi has served as a member 
of the New Jersey Education Association where his colleagues described 
him in every positive way possible. Whether it was from the integrity 
and responsibility he brought to the job each and everyday or his 
resourcefulness and creativity that helped him meet the changing needs 
of his organization, John Biondi's presence at the New Jersey Education 
Association, helped lead that group forward as it advanced its goals of 
improving the education system throughout the state.
  This month, John Biondi is retiring from the New Jersey Education 
Association. In honor of his outstanding efforts, the Educational 
Community of Bergen County has proclaimed the Twenty-Ninth of September 
to be ``John Biondi Day.'' I join my friends in the education community 
in saluting this incredible man whose commitment to an improved 
education system has proved invaluable for countless New Jersey 
students.

                          ____________________