[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 3 (Thursday, January 20, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E49]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E49]]
  THE HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO OF CONNECTICUT HONORS LOUISE AMATO ON THE 
                       OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 20, 2005

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join family, friends, and colleagues in congratulating Louise Amato 
as she celebrates her retirement after twenty-six dedicated years at 
Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES). For me, Louise is more 
than just a dear friend--she is my cousin. I am honored to have this 
opportunity to pay tribute to all of the good work she has done 
throughout her professional career.
  Education is the cornerstone of success and the most critical link 
between our young people and their futures. Throughout our country, we 
look to our towns and cities to provide these invaluable skills to our 
children. ACES is one of six educational service centers that were 
formed under Connecticut State Statute in 1970. A result of recognizing 
that school districts must work together to meet the ever changing 
needs of local education systems, these centers provide an environment 
where quality programs can be planned, developed and implemented--
giving our young people access to the best educational opportunities 
possible.
  The real success behind ACES can be attributed to the unparalleled 
dedication and commitment of its administration and its staff. I have 
often spoke of our nation's need for talented, creative educators ready 
to help our children learn and grow. In her twenty-six years with ACES, 
Louise has been just that kind of teacher. She has spent her career 
working with special needs students to develop the life skills they 
would need to live and work in the community. She went even further, 
helping graduating seniors to develop plans for their future after high 
school, helping others with job placement, bringing students to visit 
job and community sites, and even taking some to visit colleges.
  Louise was always looking for different ways to get her students 
excited about their futures. She has taken her students to New York 
City and one of my fondest memories of my congressional career was when 
she brought a group of seniors to Washington, DC, where I had the 
opportunity to meet with them. Her unique approach to helping these 
young people develop important skills made a real difference in their 
lives because she opened the doors of opportunity to them. Louise gave 
a very special gift to all her students--the promise of a meaningful 
and productive future.
  Through her generosity and kindness, Louise has touched the lives of 
all who know her--though none know more so than her students. In 
recognition of her many years of outstanding service, I am proud to 
stand today to join her husband, Gabe; her children, Cheryl, Laurie, 
and Mark; family, friends, and colleagues in congratulating Louise 
Amato on the occasion of her retirement. Our thanks and appreciation 
will never match the gifts of friendship and inspiration she has given 
to all of those who have had the opportunity to know her.

                          ____________________