[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 49 (Monday, March 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   IN HONOR OF DR. MITCHELL J. BIENIA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 23, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Dr. Mitchell J. Bienia, as he is honored as the recipient of the 2009 
Cleveland Society of Poles ``Good Joe'' Polish Heritage Award. Dr. 
Bienia's dedicated service to the Cleveland community as well as to the 
Polish American community continues to be evident throughout his life.
  In his 30-year tenure with the Cleveland School District, he worked 
as teacher, guidance counselor, department head and administrator. For 
ten years, Dr. Bienia worked as a part-time guidance counselor at 
Cuyahoga Community College. Among numerous professional accolades, Dr. 
Bienia was the recipient of the 1970 Martha Holden Jennings Outstanding 
Teacher of the Year Award, the 1990 Phi Delta Kappa Award, and the 1995 
Counselor of the Year Award. Dr. Bienia's integrity and dedication to 
making a difference in his professional life is mirrored in his 
personal life as well. A lifelong volunteer, he has served as a member 
and leader with numerous social service organizations, including his 
current post as a Board Member with Cleveland Metropolitan General 
Hospital.
  In addition to his community service, Dr. Bienia has worked 
tirelessly to promote and preserve his Polish heritage. He has been an 
active member and leader with several local and national Polish 
organizations and currently serves as the National Director for the 
Chicago-based Polish Roman Catholic Union of America. Dr. Bienia and 
his wife Krystyna are the proud parents of two grown daughters--
Krystyna and Michelle, to whom they have passed down the value of 
family, faith and service to others.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Dr. Mitchell J. Bienia, whose service to family, friends, community 
and dedication to sharing Poland's cultural gifts all serve to 
illuminate the diversity that defines the Cleveland community and is 
the foundation of our country. Dr. Bienia's faith, his love of family 
and commitment to community is a testament to the true meaning of 
citizenship and reflects the American dream.

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