[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING SALVATORE PUNZO ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 9, 2004

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered to 
extend my best wishes to my good friend, Salvatore Punzo, as he 
celebrates his retirement after 35 years in education.
  I have often spoke of our Nation's need for talented educators ready 
to help our children learn and grow. Sal has been just that kind of 
teacher and administrator. In a career that has spanned over three 
decades, he has touched the lives of thousands of our young people--
helping them to build a strong foundation for their future success. We 
owe a debt of gratitude to teachers like Sal, who so willingly dedicate 
themselves to ensuring that our children have access to the best 
possible education.
  Our teachers and school administrators spend many hours with our 
children, ensuring that they develop the tools and skills they will 
need as they continue their education and move into adulthood. Sal 
began his career in education as a teacher with the New Haven Public 
School system, where he spent the next 16 years in teaching grades 
three through five. In that time, he developed a strong reputation for 
his commitment to education and to meeting the needs of his students. 
After being appointed to a new administrator's mentoring program, he 
went on to serve as an assistant principal and finally, for nearly two 
decades, as the Principal of East Rock Magnet School.
  After 17 years, Sal will now retire as the Principal of East Rock 
Magnet School--one of the most successful magnet schools in the State 
of Connecticut. Under his tenure, East Rock has blossomed--receiving 
numerous awards and recognitions, including being named a Vanguard 
School. In fact, just last year, I was honored to join Sal at East Rock 
to celebrate the success of the Model Laptop Program. This program, 
funded by one of only five such U.S. Department of Education grants in 
the country, tests the impact of introducing laptops in third through 
fifth grade classrooms. The success of East Rock, with this program and 
so many others, is remarkable and testament to Sal's leadership.
  Salvatore Punzo has dedicated a lifetime to making a difference in 
the lives of children through education. We are so fortunate to have 
people like him working with our young people. Teacher, administrator, 
and advocate--he embodies all that an educator should be. I am proud to 
stand today and join his wife, Carmela; his children Sal and Michael; 
his five grandchildren, family, friends, and colleagues in 
congratulating Salvatore Punzo on the occasion of his retirement. My 
best wishes for many more years of health and happiness.




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