[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MAUREEN FESTI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2007

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Maureen Festi of 
West Hartford, CT, for her outstanding achievement in the field of 
education. After 29 years of educating youth, Ms. Festi was honored 
with the 2007 Preserve America National History Teacher of the Year 
Award on November 16, 2007.
  For the past 15 years, Ms. Festi has dedicated her life to teaching 
the children of Earl M. Witt Intermediate School in Stafford Springs, 
CT. Her dedication to her field and her passion for her students are 
apparent in her creative and imaginative approach to the American 
history curriculum. Ms. Festi has devoted her life to ensuring that her 
pupils do not simply memorize history, but also identify its relevance 
in their lives today. By extending her lessons beyond the four walls of 
the classroom, Ms. Festi adds contemporary meaning to a study that is 
focused on the past. A leader and an innovator in her field, Ms. Festi 
is truly deserving of this national recognition.
  I ask all my colleagues to join with me and the people of Connecticut 
in congratulating Ms. Festi for this honor and thanking her for her 
continued commitment to the education of the children of Connecticut.

                          ____________________