[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO SOLLIE RASO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to Sollie Raso, an impressive man whose record of public 
service and commitment to education in the community of Pueblo, 
Colorado spans seven decades. Those whose lives Mr. Raso has touched 
during his distinguished career as an educator know him to be firm, 
fair, and friendly. He has led by example, never demanding respect, but 
rather commanding it through his actions. Simply stated, Sollie Raso 
exemplifies the most sacred of American values: service to the 
community and dedication to family.
  Sollie is the son of Italian immigrants from Calabria, who instilled 
in him the value of hard work and the love of family. He served his 
country proudly during the Second World War as a nose-gunner in a B-17, 
logging many missions over Europe. Upon returning home, he married his 
high school sweetheart Betty Lou, with whom he raised four children, 
and moved to Pueblo to begin his teaching and coaching career at 
Central High School.
   In 1956, Sollie was named principal of Central High, even though 
there were many who did not believe a football coach could succeed as 
an administrator. Sollie's straightforward administrative style quickly 
won over his detractors and, after eleven years as a principal, he 
moved on to become the Pueblo School District Activities Director. 
After retiring from the school system in 1982, he returned to public 
service in 1984 for the first of two terms as a Pueblo County 
Commissioner.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring the service of Sollie Raso to the 
attention of this body of Congress, and commend him for the manner in 
which he has served the community of Pueblo, Colorado. His importance 
to Pueblo cannot be overstated, and he has helped to shape many leaders 
of the community. Sollie continues to serve his community as a member 
of the selections committee of the Greater Pueblo Sports Association, 
nearly sixty years after he first became an educator. I sincerely thank 
him for his service.

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