[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 70 (Monday, May 12, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6025-S6026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ROSALIE ASLESEN RETIRES FROM SPEARFISH HIGH SCHOOL

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and 
honor Rosalie Aslesen on the occasion of her retirement as school 
librarian for Spearfish High School in Spearfish, SD.
  A native of Spearfish, Rosalie graduated from Spearfish High School 
and received her bachelor of arts degree in theatre arts from Black 
Hills State University in Spearfish. After graduation, she served as a 
Red Cross volunteer, assisting troops in Korea in the 1960s, spending 
time living in Hawaii, Virginia, and Maryland before returning for a 
brief time to Spearfish. She

[[Page S6026]]

returned to Hawaii and obtained a master's degree in library science, 
before moving back to Spearfish with her husband Herb to take a job at 
Spearfish High School, where she has served as librarian since 1979.
  Rosalie has earned the respect and admiration of all those who had 
the opportunity to work with her. Her friendly demeanor and wealth of 
knowledge helped her develop close friendships with various colleagues 
and students. In Rosalie's honor, her brother, William Vance, has 
donated an extensive collection of Library of America books to 
Spearfish High School. As a symbol of Rosalie's dedication to young 
people, these books will help educate future generations of young 
Americans.
  Over the years, Rosalie has committed herself to helping Spearfish 
students learn more about their heritage and culture, about themselves 
and the world around them. She has worked hard to help students find 
the best in themselves. Thousands of students over the years have 
benefited from Rosalie's commitment to education and to the library 
sciences. From assisting students with research options for papers, to 
finding intricate details about the history of our world, Rosalie has 
served as a ``human bookmark'' in the book of life for countless young 
adults.
  On the occasion of her retirement, I want to congratulate Rosalie 
Aslesen for her tireless dedication to Spearfish High School and her 
commitment to quality education. I also want to commend her for her 
valuable service to the community over the years. She has been very 
active in the United Church of Christ, has served on the board of the 
South Dakota Education Association, and has spent many years in the 
Spearfish Education Association, including the past 2 years as 
president. The lives of countless people have been enormously enhanced 
by Rosalie's service to South Dakota and her profession. Her 
achievements will serve as a model for other talented librarians 
throughout our State to emulate.
  Mr. President, I wish Rosalie Aslesen the best on her 
retirement.

                          ____________________