[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 104 (Monday, June 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REMARKS IN RECOGNITION OF TONI ANN SECREST

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE SPEIER-

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 23, 2008

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I rise in heartfelt gratitude to Assistant 
Principal Toni Ann Secrest who is retiring after 38 passionate years of 
service to the students, faculty and parents of Mercy High School in 
Burlingame, California.
  Ms. Secrest arrived at Mercy in 1970, just two years after I 
graduated. While I had the best teachers a student could ask for, Toni 
Ann Secrest is one more reason why I wish I was just a little younger. 
Her energetic approach to teaching, her love of all things historical 
and her captivating and entertaining storytelling ability are 
legendary.
  Toni Ann's students, it is said, never graduate. She instills in them 
the love of critical thinking and intellectual examination that 
inspires them to continue along the path of lifelong learning. This 
didn't stop when she moved out of the classroom and into the 
counselor's chair. Seeing the mission of her new job as much more than 
advising on college and careers, Ms. Secrest offered real counsel. 
Students always left her office more inspired and infinitely more 
hopeful than they went in.
  As Assistant Principal, Toni Ann Secrest was without peer. She 
brought Mercy High School into the information age by revamping the 
curriculum to replace typing classes with computer science. She brought 
the faculty and administration up-to-date also, even if it meant 
dragging them against their will to learn and embrace new technologies.
  Toni Ann is adored by her former students. To a person, they remember 
her intellect, her kindness and her style. Toni Ann dresses like she 
lives. She sets an example. As one student recalled, ``Ms. Secrest 
always had it going on.'' To this day, she is the best-dressed person 
in any room.
  Madam Speaker, like you, Toni Ann Secrest is a pioneer. She was a 
member of the first co-ed graduating class of the University of San 
Francisco, where she got her degree in History. She also has a master's 
in Counseling from USF and has earned her Secondary Teaching Credential 
for Life and a Pupil Personnel Credential for Life.
  And what a life! Admired by all who work with her (especially me), 
appreciated by the thousands she has mentored, loved by her large 
extended family and appreciated by her community.

                          ____________________