[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 28, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   CONGRATULATING SISTER JANICE RYAN

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, today I recognize Sister Janice 
Ryan, a native of Fairfield, as this year's recipient of the Kids On 
The Block Vermont Puppet's Choice Award winner. This award is conferred 
annually by Kids on the Block--Vermont, a theatrical troupe that 
performs with puppets to deliver messages of personal safety, 
diversity, and acceptance of disabilities. As an honoree, Sister Janice 
is being acknowledged for her outstanding contributions to children and 
families statewide.
  I have admired Sister Janice ever since I first met her. Her career-
long dedication to education and to helping those who need it most has 
encompassed serving in many capacities, including teacher, professor, 
administrator, advocate, mentor and role model. Each one of these alone 
are worthy of praise in their own right.
  One of Sister Janice's first of many outstanding accomplishments was 
the development of the special education program at Trinity College, 
where she served as a professor, Chair of Education and President. She 
continued on that path of service in helping to pass groundbreaking 
legislation that ensured the educational rights of children with 
disabilities.
  Sister Janice's passion and commitment to the children of Vermont and 
the Nation is unsurpassed. From 1995 to 1999 Sister Janice served as 
Education Director on my staff. Her experience was invaluable. I am 
forever indebted to her for her service.
  All who know Sister Janice know how dedicated she has been her entire 
life in serving others. She now serves as the Deputy Director for the 
Vermont Department of Corrections. There are very few people in this 
world who have given so much and asked so little in return. I hope 
Sister Janice knows that her years of giving have not gone unnoticed. 
This award shows how much she is appreciated even though it is 
impossible for us to fully recognize her contributions.
  I am so proud to stand here and tell you about such a great 
Vermonter. I wish her my deepest congratulations for an award she so 
greatly deserves. Everyone who has the opportunity to benefit from 
Sister Janice's service is extremely lucky.

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