[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 96 (Thursday, June 26, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING FATHER WALTER L. DOLAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Father Walter L. Dolan, O.F.M., upon the occasion of his retirement 
from active ministry.
  Father Dolan has served as President of Padua Franciscan High School 
in Parma for the past nine years. Under his leadership, the high school 
has flourished in many ways. Enrollment has steadily increased at 
Padua, and today the high school is the largest Catholic co-educational 
secondary school in northern Ohio. Additionally, it was because of 
Father Dolan that Padua Franciscan High School is now officially 
designated as a College Preparatory High School--making it only one of 
fourteen with this status in the entire State of Ohio.
  Not only has Father Dolan significantly raised the bar on academic 
standards and excellence at Padua, he also focused on the improvement 
of the school's athletic facilities. These significant exterior 
developments created new baseball and softball fields, new track fields 
and facilities, parking and roadway improvements, and a new football 
stadium. Father Dolan ensured that appropriate landscaping graced the 
boundaries of every new development.
  Moreover, Father Dolan's goal for Padua included financial stability 
for the school, and aid for eligible students. During his tenure, 
Father Dolan secured a major funding effort to build a strong 
endowment, entitled ``The Campaign For Tomorrow.'' This significant 
endeavor exists to increase the amount of financial aid to students in 
need. This endowment is also designed to maintain the school's 
technological level, and also provides teachers with cutting-edge 
educational training.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Father Walter L. Dolan as he retires as President of Padua 
Franciscan High School, and as he retires from active ministry. Father 
Dolan's contributions throughout his ministry are significant and 
immeasurable, and his work and service will be greatly missed. His 
leadership, expertise, guidance and concern for others have served to 
uplift the entire Padua community, and the entire Cleveland community, 
and his gift of faith and compassion will forever light our community.

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