[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 67 (Thursday, May 13, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S5469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF MARY CONNELLY KEGELMAN, NATIONAL AND DELAWARE MOTHER 
                              OF THE YEAR

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Mary 
Connelly Kegelman, recipient of the Delaware Mother of the Year and the 
National Mother of the Year awards. Mary has dedicated her life to 
raising her 10 children and to the thousands of school children whose 
lives she has touched.
  Mary was born in Massachusetts in 1930. She received her Bachelor's 
degree in chemistry from Elms College in Massachusetts and went on to 
Fordham University in New York for her Master's degree in physical 
chemistry. It was during graduate school that she met her husband, 
Matthew. The two were married on October 12, 1953, in Massachusetts in 
front of their loved ones.
  Shortly after graduation, Matthew was offered a job at the DuPont 
Company. The newlyweds moved to Delaware and have lived here for over 
50 years. They have 10 children--John, Matthew, Jerry, Joseph, Thomas, 
Mary, Christine, Bernadette, James and Daniel, and 18 grandchildren.
  Mary began teaching algebra part time at Ursuline Academy in 
Wilmington, DE in 1973. While her children were in middle school at 
Immaculate Heart of Mary, she saw a great need for algebra education. 
Two of her children were in seventh and eighth grade, and were not 
being taught algebra. Mary knew they were capable of learning it. She 
talked to the school, and began volunteering one day a week to teach 
algebra to the top students in the class. One day turned into two days, 
and soon thereafter, the school asked her to come aboard full time to 
teach and to start the advanced math program at Immaculate Heart of 
Mary. With the help and cooperation of students, teachers, 
administrators and faculty, the curriculum developed into a top-notch 
program, with each of the top 15 students in grades 6, 7 and 8 
participating.
  It was after a lifetime of dedication to her family and students that 
Mary was recognized for her selfless devotion. American Mothers Inc., a 
nonprofit group that promotes motherhood and family, awarded Mary with 
the Delaware Mother of the Year and the National Mother of the Year 
honors. The State award was presented to Mary in April, and the 
national award was announced in early May. Mary was honored for reading 
favorite bedtime stories, helping with homework and offering friendship 
when it was needed most. Those who know Mary describe her as embodying 
the spirit of what motherhood is supposed to be--nurturing, but strong.
  Mary is an amazing woman. She has been committed to her family, her 
students, and her community. Even to this day, she spends several hours 
a week tutoring students who need help in math. She has helped shape 
the lives of thousands in the halls of the institutions she served, and 
in the hearts of those who have been lucky enough to call her their 
friend. I rise today to honor and thank Mary for her selfless 
dedication to the betterment of others. She is a remarkable woman and a 
testament to the community she represents.

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