[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 85 (Friday, June 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    HONORING JOHN J. BRADY, ED.D. ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2013

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to join 
the many family, friends, colleagues, and community members who have 
gathered to congratulate Dr. John J. Brady on the occasion of his 
retirement as Superintendent of the Amity Regional school system after 
a thirty-four year career in public education.
  Over the course of his career, and particularly in his nine-year 
tenure as Superintendent, John has shown both remarkable leadership and 
a unique dedication to our young people, ensuring that they had access 
to the best possible educational opportunities. When John came to Amity 
nine years ago, the District was facing serious financial challenges 
which, in turn, were causing declining confidence among faculty, 
students, and the three communities the school district serves. With 
his unique vision, principled leadership, and prudent financial 
direction, John worked with the Board of Education to turn Amity 
around.
  Restoring integrity and rigor to the financial operations of the 
District as well as the confidence of the communities, students, and 
faculty, his commitment to educational excellence has made all the 
difference. Under John's tenure, a renewed emphasis was placed on the 
arts as an integral part of the educational experience, dedicating 
similar resources and focus as are given to their successful athletics 
program. Indeed, one of John's enduring legacies is the beautiful 
performing arts building that he not only advocated for, but brought in 
both on time and on budget. The building was recently dedicated in his 
honor and the John J. Brady Center for the Performing Arts will long 
stand as a reminder of his remarkable efforts on behalf of Amity, its 
faculty, and most importantly, its students.
  Administrators and teachers play an important role in our 
communities. Our children spend a great deal of their childhood in 
school and it is the faculty and staff that they look to for guidance 
and support. I have often spoke of our nation's need for talented, 
creative educators ready to help our children learn and grow. 
Dedicating his career to education, as an educator and administrator, 
John has touched the lives of hundreds of our young people--creating a 
safe and nurturing environment in which they could realize their 
potential.
  Tonight, as he celebrates his retirement, I am proud to stand today 
to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to John J. Brady for his 
more than three decades in public education and for all the many 
invaluable contributions he has made to the Amity Regional school 
district. I wish him and his family--son, Christopher, daughters, 
Caitlin and Marissa, and two year old granddaughter, Nora--all the best 
for many more years of health and happiness.

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