[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1285-E1286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRESSIONAL TRIBUTE TO PAUL OLLILA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 25, 2004

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding educator in my district. Paul Ollila is retiring this year 
as the Superintendent of the Copper Country Intermediate School 
District (ISD), closing the final chapter of a career dedicated to the 
children of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Mr. Ollila's 40 years as a 
teacher, administrator, and leader serve as a shining example of his 
profession.
  Paul Ollila earned his bachelor's degree in social work/sociology and 
secondary education from Northern Michigan University in 1964. That 
same year, he began his career as a special education teacher and 
teacher consultant with the Adams Township School District. In addition 
to working with his own students, Mr. Ollila taught special education 
students throughout the Copper Country ISD.
  In 1976, after twelve years as a teacher for both Adams Township 
Schools and the Copper Country ISD, Mr. Ollila was asked to become the 
Assistant Superintendent and Director of Special Education for the ISD. 
He accepted this position, and for the next 16 years, special needs 
students throughout the Copper Country benefited from his experience, 
leadership, and compassion.
  In 1993, Mr. Ollila became the Superintendent of the Copper Country 
ISD. In this role, he has been responsible for delivering a range of 
services to school districts and their students. In addition to special 
education, the ISD assists school districts with compliance and 
coordination services, and provides a number of specialized programs 
for students. These include alternative education, outdoor education, 
career preparation, vocational education, gifted and talented programs, 
and health curriculum. The ISD also operates the outstanding Western 
Upper Peninsula Center for Science, Mathematics and Environmental 
Education.
  Throughout his years as an educator, Paul Ollila has recognized the 
importance of ongoing education both for his own career, and for his 
ability to better serve his students. In 1966, he earned a Master's 
degree in special education/educational administration, and in 1989 he 
earned a Specialist's degree in educational administration, both from 
Northern Michigan University.
  Mr. Speaker, Paul Ollila's service as a teacher and administrator has 
been outstanding, but it is even more remarkable when you consider the 
numerous leadership roles he has taken on at the state, Upper 
Peninsula, and local levels. In addition to taking leadership roles in 
various professional associations, Mr. Ollila has served on the State 
Special Education Advisory Committee, the UP Center

[[Page E1286]]

for Educational Development, Upper Great Lakes Education Technologies, 
Inc., the Copper Country Americorps, the Finlandia University Community 
Advisory Board, and the Copper Country Superintendents' Round Table to 
name just a few. Finally, there are three school districts in the 
Copper Country ISD without their own superintendent, and Mr. Ollila has 
served in this capacity whenever he was needed.
  As much as he has given to his career though, Paul Ollila has always 
had time for his family. He has been happily married to his wife Joyce 
for 44 years, and together they have six children and 6 grandchildren. 
He is also an avid golfer and travel enthusiast.
  Mr. Speaker, Paul Ollila's commitment to his family, his community, 
and the students of Michigan's Upper Peninsula serves as an example to 
all of us. I ask the House to join me in honoring him and thanking him 
for his service.

                          ____________________