[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E91]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING VARDA WENDROFF

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2003

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Varda Wendroff, who 
was recognized on Saturday, January 18, 2002, by the Richard A. 
Rutkowski Association at a gala dinner-dance at the Hi-Hat Caterers.
  An innovative and passionate teacher for over twenty years, Varda 
Wendroff is currently the director of World Languages, ESL, and 
Bilingual Education for the Bayonne public school system.
  Varda Wendroff has given her heart and soul to the community of 
Bayonne. The loss of her daughter, Lauren, and her family's first-hand 
experience in the Holocaust influenced and greatly impacted her life, 
making her an admired healer, educator, and role model for the 
community. She has truly given back to Bayonne, by investing in the 
families and the young people of our community.
  A two-year president of the Jewish Community Center and member of the 
Bayonne United Jewish Federation, Varda Wendroff teaches Holocaust 
studies for the United Jewish Appeal, and assists with the Lauren 
Wendroff Early Enrichment Program and the organization's camp. As a 
member, and current co-leader of the Compassionate Friends, a national 
and international organization helping parents to cope with the loss of 
a child, she has been helped and continues to help parents cope with 
their grief.
  Some of Mrs. Wendroff's honors include finalist for Teacher of the 
Year; recipient of the Governor's Teachers of Excellence award; and, 
listed in the ``Who's Who Among America's Teachers,'' awarded by her 
students for her selfless dedication to teaching and her lasting 
influence on their lives.
  Varda Wendroff earned her B.A. degree from Montclair State 
University, and M.A. from New Jersey City University.
  Varda Wendroff and her husband, Arnie, have a son, Jason, and 
daughter-in-law, Tracy.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Varda Wendroff for 
being a guiding light in the lives of our youth and an inspiration to 
all of us.

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