[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 9 (Thursday, January 24, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S279-S280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH M. SCIMECA

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize Mr. 
Joseph M. Scimeca. This July, Mr. Scimeca will enter retirement after 
44 years of dedicated service to the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge.
  Since 1969, when he began his career as a teacher, Mr. Scimeca has 
contributed to the moral, intellectual, and spiritual development of 
young people. His time in education has seen him serve as assistant 
principal, principal, and Assistant Superintendent of the Catholic 
Diocese of Baton Rouge, a position he has held since 1999. In 1997, he 
was presented with the Distinguished Secondary Educator award and also 
received the 1999 Saint Michael the Archangel High School Warrior 
award.
  The National Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, ``Education is 
one of the most important ways by which the Church fulfills its 
commitment to the dignity of the person and building of community.''
  In Louisiana, our Catholic schools maintain high academic standards, 
foster a healthy learning environment for

[[Page S280]]

students, and encourage family involvement in the ongoing education of 
children. Mr. Scimeca has promoted these ideals with extraordinary 
leadership, professionalism and a vision to provide our children with 
the tools they will need to go out in to the world and become valuable 
members of society and their community.
  His efforts to bring together adults and children, educators and 
volunteers, business leaders, and elected officials in a learning 
environment highlights his ability to impart comprehensive curriculums 
that stress the importance of education as part of the mission of the 
Catholic Church and the importance of community in shaping our young 
people.
  While I know he will be missed after his departure later this year, I 
thank Mr. Scimeca for his selfless commitment to the education of our 
children, his outstanding contributions to the Catholic Diocese of 
Baton Rouge and the State of Louisiana, and extend to him our best 
wishes for continued success and happiness in all of his future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________