[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 29, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E760]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PAYING TRIBUTE TO SISTER ROBERT JOSEPH BAILEY

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2008

  Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today 
to honor Sister Robert Joseph Bailey by entering her name in the 
Congressional Record, the official record of the proceedings and 
debates of the United States Congress since 1873. Today I pay tribute 
to Sister Robert Joseph Bailey for her life and accomplishments, and 
applaud her for having an elementary school named in her honor by the 
Clark County School District.
  Sister Robert was born as Margaret Bailey on April 22, 1923 in 
Detroit, Michigan. When she entered the Dominican Order of Sisters in 
1940, she chose the name Robert Joseph, in honor of her favorite 
younger brother. She graduated in 1941 with a bachelor's degree from 
Sienna Heights College, and began sharing her gift of teaching in 
various schools throughout the country. In 1951, Sister Robert moved to 
Henderson, where she was assigned to teach 4th and 5th grade at St. 
Peter's School. She taught at St. Peters for nine years.
  After leaving St. Peter's, Sister Robert went on to what is now known 
as the Rose de Lima Campus of the St. Rose Dominican Hospitals where 
she assumed responsibility of dietary services, and eventually turned 
to community education. During her 37 years at St. Rose, she 
implemented several community outreach programs dedicated to children 
throughout the community. She initiated the Positive Impact on Reading 
Program in which volunteers visit local elementary schools to spend 
time interactively reading with children. Sister Robert visited many of 
the schools in the Henderson community and delivered special 
presentations on a variety of topics such as health, nutrition, 
hygiene, safety, and even how to be a good babysitter. She also 
initiated a hotline for children who were home alone and lonely. 
Typically, these children could call the hospital and talk to a 
volunteer for as long and often as needed.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Sister Robert Joseph Bailey for 
her accomplishments throughout the Henderson community. The programs 
that Sister Robert initiated came as a result of her concerns for the 
education, health, and comfort of others. Her legacy is an inspiration 
to the members of the school community, and I applaud the Clark County 
School District for naming an elementary school in her honor.

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