[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 145 (Thursday, September 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            PATRICIA STELLA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 2011

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Patricia Stella, owner and 
operator of thirteen McDonald's restaurants, for a lifetime of 
achievement that is the result of passion and a belief in lifelong 
learning. Patricia Stella, aided by both a bachelor's degree and a 
master's degree in education, pursued a teaching career in both the 
Abington Heights School District in Pennsylvania and in Wheaton, 
Illinois. After her parents had opened their second McDonald's 
restaurant, Ms. Stella resigned from her teaching position to join the 
family business. By the age of 30, Patricia Stella was one of the 
youngest owner/operators in the restaurant franchise's history.
  Instilling a winning combination of enthusiasm for education and 
lifelong learning in her employees, Ms. Stella has made her mark within 
the McDonald's franchise. She was awarded McDonald's Women Operator 
Network Shining Star Award and McDonald's Leadership Eagle Award. In 
addition, she has received the highest award presented to a McDonald's 
owner/operator, the Golden Arch Award.
  As a successful business owner, Ms. Stella followed in her family's 
tradition of giving back to the communities that give so much to her. 
She currently serves as a board member for the Volunteers of America, 
an executive on the board of directors at the Pittston Chamber of 
Commerce, and a member of the board of directors for the Ronald 
McDonald House of Scranton. As a result of her service in the 
Volunteers of America, she was awarded the Spirit of Youth Award. 
Previously, Ms. Stella shared her experience with organizations such as 
the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry and the 
American Red Cross, as well as serving as the vice president of the 
Penn's Woods Girl Scout Council.
  Mr. Speaker, it has been almost 40 years since Patricia and Frank 
Colletti had purchased their first McDonald's franchise. Their daughter 
Patricia has demonstrated her diligence and drive to keep her family's 
dreams alive. I commend her for all she has brought to our community 
and its residents.

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