[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 57 (Thursday, April 29, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E705-E706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING NORTHWEST INDIANA COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 29, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and enthusiasm 
that I rise to recognize an outstanding member of the northwest Indiana 
community, Ms. Agnes Lynch. This incredible woman has been a life force 
for countless students and for her family. Her presence in our 
community has touched the lives of thousands and helped many become the 
leaders of today
  Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ms. Agnes (Ott) Lynch earned 
her B.A. in English

[[Page E706]]

at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee. Two major events highlighted those 
college years. One was the once-in-a-lifetime experience of winning the 
national Tournament of Orators sponsored annually by the Hearst 
Newspaper chain. She was the only woman to ever win the national finals 
of that contest. The 1950 finals were held in Baltimore and Bishop 
Sheen was one of the judges. To that day, Agnes cherishes her kiss on 
the cheek from Sheen, at least as much as the cash prize that 
accompanied her first-place finish.
  This other event, meeting her future husband, occurred while Agnes 
was working her way through college at the Milwaukee Public Library. 
John Lynch came into the library one night to check out a book. He was 
on his way home from the German bakery, just down the street from the 
library, where he was working his way through Marquette University. 
John and Agnes were married in Milwaukee just after graduation and 
moved to Gary, John's hometown.
  After their third child was born, Agnes started her teaching career, 
first at Toleston High School and then, for 25 years, at Merrillville 
High School, where she was the English Department chairwoman, sponsor 
of the Thespian Society and director of the class plays. There are few 
people in northwest Indiana who didn't have Agnes for a teacher. In her 
spare time, she earned her M.A. from Valparaiso University. After 
retiring from Merrillville High School, Agnes taught for 3 years at 
Indiana University Northwest.
  A widow since John's passing in 2000, Agnes now devotes her time to 
church, traveling and basking in the accomplishments of her children. 
Mr. Speaker, Agnes Lynch has given her time and efforts selflessly to 
the people of northwest Indiana throughout her long and illustrious 
life. She has given the gift of knowledge to thousands in our 
community. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in congratulating Ms. Lynch for her outstanding 
contributions to Indiana's First Congressional District. I am proud to 
commend Agnes for her lifetime of service and dedication.

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