[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 35 (Thursday, March 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF MRS. RHODA ANN SOKOL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 1, 2007

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mrs. 
Rhoda Ann Sokol, a dedicated teacher and citizen from Long Branch, New 
Jersey. It is with great pride and admiration that I honor her today 
for her outstanding commitment to New Jersey's Jewish community and for 
the legacy she has left for her students, her family, and the people of 
Monmouth County.
  Mrs. Sokol was born in New York at Beth Israel Hospital but lived 
most of her young life in West Long Branch, New Jersey. She graduated 
from Long Branch High School, my alma mater, and went on to obtain a 
bachelor of science degree from Monmouth College. She and her husband 
Robert were married for 40 years and raised three children in Ocean 
Township.
  Mrs. Sokol was a very generous person and was incredibly dedicated to 
her work. She taught at the Jewish Community Center in Deal for 21 
years and taught at the Solomon Schechter Academy in Howell for 23 
years. She loved the arts and music and worked with students on 
musicals while she taught at Solomon Schechter. She will always be 
remembered as a teacher who adored her students and who was always 
willing to help them in any way she could.
  There are many people all over Monmouth County who will never forget 
Mrs. Sokol. It gives me great pride to say that the Spirit of Israel 
Dance Company is performing a tribute concert to honor her memory. The 
concert will take place on Sunday, March 4th and will showcase young 
dancers ranging from ages 14-20. This dance group has performed all 
over the world, including at the Maccabia opening ceremony, Adloyada, 
Carmiel, various TV programs, and at numerous school events.
  Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
recognizing Mrs. Rhoda Ann Sokol for her lifelong dedication to her 
community. While she was taken from the Long Branch community before 
her time, her friends, family, and students will never forget her.

                          ____________________