[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1464-E1465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A TRIBUTE TO SALVATORE AND MYRA RASPA'S SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Salvatore and Myra 
Raspa of St. Mary's County, Maryland for their leadership as 
outstanding educators and service to their community.
  In 1961, Sal was employed as a science and chemistry teacher at Great 
Mills High School. After teaching for seven years, he was appointed 
Assistant Principal and in 1978 became Principal of Great Mills High 
School. He later became Supervisor of Instruction for Science and 
Health with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, St. Mary's 
County Public Schools. He was also Supervisor of Transportation and 
Assistant Superintendent before his retirement from the St. Mary's 
County Public Schools in 1999 after 38 years of service.
  Dr. Raspa was dedicated to his profession and accordingly received 
numerous awards and commendations such as recognition from the VFW for 
Outstanding Achievement and Exceptional Leadership in the Community, 
the Governor's Citation for Outstanding Commitment to Public Education, 
recognition from the Naval Air Warfare Center and The Maryland Science 
Center, and the Joint Board of Science and Engineering Education Award 
as an Outstanding Educator. He also received the Governor's Award for 
Voluntary Service in Prevention of Drugs and Alcohol as well as the 
American Legion Award for Contribution to Youth in St. Mary's County 
and special recognition from Lions Clubs International for Promoting 
Drug Awareness Programs--Skills for Adolescence.
  Myra Raspa began her teaching career as an English and Publications 
teacher at Leonardtown High School, where she was responsible for 
publishing two major publications: The History and Culture of the 
Chesapeake Bay and The Heritage/History of The St. Mary's County Fair. 
During her 20 years with the St. Mary's County Public Schools, she also 
received several awards and citations, such as the Citation from the 
Southern Maryland Legislative Delegation for ``Outstanding Educator and 
for Contribution to Youth'', the Governor's Citation for ``Excellence 
in Education'', Recognition from Comptroller Louis L. Goldstein for 
Exemplary Publication, The Heritage, Citation from St. Mary's County 
Commissioners for ``Outstanding Contribution to Students of St. Mary's 
County'', St. Mary's Board of Education Certification of Recognition 
for ``Outstanding Contribution to Student Achievement'', St. Mary's 
Award to Recognize Talent in Teachers, The St. Mary's Council on 
Children and Youth ``Outstanding Contribution to Youth'', recognition 
from Dr. David W. Hornbeck, State Superintendent of Schools for 
``Outstanding Educator'', and National Council of Teachers of English 
for ``Outstanding Publication'', and a Commendation from Senator C. 
Bernard Fowler, Senator of Maryland, for ``Exemplary Contribution to 
Youth,'' and a Commendation from the Environmental Matters Committee 
for ``Excellence in Education.'' She is currently an Instructional 
Resource with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction with a focus 
on high schools.
  Mr. Speaker, dedicated educators like Sal and Myra Raspa are today's 
hope for a better tomorrow. They are the role models to whom students 
and others within their workplace and their community look for guidance 
and support. By pointing students in the right direction, such 
educators contribute to the future accomplishments of their students.
  They have applied this commitment to molding children's future to 
their own home, as well. Myra and Sal's children are Sal, Jr., Joseph--
deceased, Scott, Angela, Victor, and Anthony. Myra Raspa had to undergo 
a major juggling act between continuing her education and taking her 
children to Boy Scouts, band practice, football practice, wrestling 
practice, swimming lessons, and so forth. All the children attended 
Great Mills High School and were given their diplomas by their father 
during his tenure as Principal there. All are college graduates and are 
successful and are

[[Page E1465]]

contributing to society. Sal and Myra consider their children their 
major accomplishments.
  As busy as Sal and Myra were, they still took the time to find a way 
to involve the entire family in a tobacco farming business for a number 
of years when the children were teenagers, even venturing into an 
experimental curing process which was monitored by the University of 
Maryland. The Raspas also operated an air conditioning and 
refrigeration business at one time.
  The Raspas have constantly demonstrated their commitment to service 
through their participation in other civic activities in St. Mary's 
County. Sal served four terms on the Democratic Central Committee and 
served as chair for two terms. He belongs to the Lexington Park Lions 
Club and received the Melvin Jones Award in 2002, which is the highest 
award given by Lions Club International. He was elected to the St. 
Mary's County Board of Education in 2002 and currently holds the 
position of Vice Chairman.
  Myra has been active on many county and state committees including 
the State Department of Education Standards Setting Committee for 
English; the Maryland Assessment Consortium; the Gifted and Talented 
Task Force; Integrated Support Team; PreK-12 Intervention Task Force; 
Project SMART Grant Advisory Committee; MSPAP MEGA-TASK Developer; 
Content Coordinator for English/Language Arts/Writing MEGA-TASK, 
Maryland State Department of Education; and TASK-WRITER for High School 
Assessments, Maryland State Department.
  Both Sal and Myra Raspa are still very active in St. Mary's County 
and continue to advocate for children. They believe in contributing for 
the betterment of the community. Mr. Speaker, on this day I wish Dr. 
and Mrs. Raspa well in their future pursuits.

                          ____________________