[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 73 (Friday, May 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E948]]
                          HONORING ROB RATNER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 3, 2007

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Rob Ratner on the occasion of his retirement from teaching. For 35 
years Mr. Ratner has been a teacher, serving the last 22 years with the 
Mineola Public School District with passion and commitment. Mr. Ratner 
began his teaching career in 1974 with the William Floyd School 
District, eventually serving as Music Chairperson. In 1987, Mr. Ratner 
was appointed Mineola's Director of Performing and Fine Arts.
  Mr. Ratner has been a brilliant asset to his colleagues, the Long 
Island music community, and particularly to the students he has 
influenced and taught. The Mineola Arts Department has not only grown 
under his leadership, it has flourished. Mr. Ratner's goal has always 
been the intellectual and emotional development of his students through 
the arts; a goal which he has certainly achieved. Even in retirement, 
he will continue to educate through teaching college courses in school 
administration and the arts as well as educational consulting. 
Currently, he is preparing to record a jazz CD with his two sons.
  The future of this country depends on the hopes and dreams of its 
children, and our community and our nation are enhanced by the 
contributions of talented, passionate and committed teachers like Rob 
Ratner.

                          ____________________