[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 152 (Friday, November 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING BENEDICT KUPCHO ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 22, 2002

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to join 
Coginchaug Regional High School and the community of Durham, 
Connecticut in paying tribute to Benedict Kupcho as he celebrates his 
retirement after thirty-seven years of service. An educator, colleague, 
and friend, Mr. Kupcho has been an invaluable resource to the students 
and faculty of Coginchaug Regional High School and the residents of 
Durham throughout his career.
  I have often spoke of our nation's need for talented, creative 
educators ready to help our students learn and grow. Mr. Kupcho is just 
that kind of teacher. His commitment and dedication has touched the 
lives of thousands of our young people. Mr. Kupcho has enriched his 
students lives ensured that they have a strong foundation on which to 
build their futures--making a real difference in all of their lives. 
Coginchaug Regional High School has been fortunate to have benefitted 
from his many years of service.
  I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Kupcho on several occasions 
throughout my career in the House of Representatives and I am always in 
awe of his seemingly unending enthusiasm and excitement. For twenty-two 
years, Mr. Kupcho has organized Coginchaug's annual trip to Washington, 
D.C.--bringing over two thousand students to our nation's capital 
throughout five separate administrations. Through wind, rain, sleet and 
snow, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that his students were given 
the opportunity to visit Washington and experience how our government 
works. I have always held a firm belief in the importance of engaging 
our young people in the democratic process and in assuring that they 
have a voice here in Washington. Mr. Kupcho's dedication is a 
reflection of this ideal and our community owes him a great debt of 
gratitude for all that he has done on behalf of our young people.
  As a track coach and student advisor, Mr. Kupcho has also acted as a 
mentor to many students--truly helping to shape their lives outside of 
the classroom as well. In addition to his many professional 
contributions at Coginchaug Regional High School, Mr. Kupcho has also 
been active in the Durham community. One of the most popular and 
longest running events in Connecticut, the Durham Fair has long been 
the beneficiary of Mr. Kupcho's time and energy. Attracting thousands 
of people from across the state, the Durham Fair is a major event for 
the small community of Durham. The name Benedict Kupcho is almost 
synonymous with the parking organization for the Fair and it has been 
his efforts that have enabled its many attendees to enjoy this 
wonderful annual event.
  It is with great pleasure and my very best wishes for continued 
health and happiness that I stand today and extend my sincere thanks 
and appreciation to Benedict Kupcho for all of his good work throughout 
his thirty-seven years with Coginchaug Regional High School. Though he 
will certainly be missed, he has left an indelible mark on the Durham 
community and a legacy that will inspire others for many years to come.

                          ____________________