[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 70 (Tuesday, June 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING JOSEPH DiMENNA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2006

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the community of Stratford, Connecticut as they pay tribute to 
an outstanding member of their community, Joseph DiMenna. After 51 
years of dedicated service, Joe DiMenna will retire from his 
distinguished career in education.
  I have often spoken of our Nation's need for talented, creative 
educators ready to help our children learn and grow. Joe DiMenna has 
been just that kind of teacher and administrator. After receiving a 
Bachelor's Degree in education from Western Connecticut State 
University, Mr. DiMenna began his teaching career at the Eli Whitney 
School where he taught fourth grade. During his time as a teacher, he 
taught at a variety of levels as well as teaching Americanization and 
summer school in Bridgeport. Upon being awarded a National Science 
Fellowship in Geology and Astronomy, he spent a summer in class and 
field study at the Delaware Water Gap. Through his unique dedication to 
education, both for his students and himself, Joe DiMenna exemplified 
all that we look for in a teacher.
  After further pursuing his studies at the University of Connecticut 
and Southern Connecticut State University, Mr. DiMenna received his 
masters and sixth year degrees from Fairfield University. He would 
first serve as principal of the old Honeyspot School in Stratford where 
he oversaw the construction of the new Honeyspot School. On moving day, 
he joined with his students as they carried their desks from the old 
building to the new. Upon leaving Honeyspot, he would go on to serve as 
principal at Eli Whitney School, Chapel Street School, and Second Hill 
Lane School. Over the course of his 51-year career, Joe DiMenna has 
served with both integrity and distinction, earning him the respect of 
faculty, administrators, and Board of Education members. His 
dedication, commitment, and energy has touched the lives of thousands 
of our young people, helping to shape not only the foundation of their 
education but their character as well. We, as a community, owe Joe 
DiMenna a great debt of gratitude for all of his good work.
  I am proud to stand today to join his wife of 47 years, Frances, 
their two sons, three grandchildren, family, friends, colleagues and 
community members in extending my very best wishes to Joseph DiMenna as 
he celebrates his retirement. I understand that Joe and Frances plan to 
travel more extensively, opening new opportunities for learning and 
teaching. My very best wishes to them for many more years of health and 
happiness.

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