[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 181 (Thursday, December 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE MARIA KONOPNICKA POLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL OF CHICAGO AND OAK 
                 LAWN, ILLINOIS ON ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 19, 2013

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Maria 
Konopnicka Polish Language School in Chicago and Oak Lawn, Illinois. 
This year the school will celebrate its 40th anniversary.
  Chicagoland is home to the largest population of people of Polish 
descent living outside of Poland. The Polish Language School, named for 
the great Polish poet, novelist, and activist, Maria Konopnicka, serves 
this population by offering kindergarten through high school students 
the opportunity to connect with and explore their Polish heritage. For 
forty years the school has excelled in teaching its students Polish 
language, history, and culture. Thousands of children have learned 
about Polish cultural heritage as well as the role Poles play in the 
United States and the world community, now and in the future. With its 
emphasis on civic responsibility, the school shapes students dedicated 
to supporting and improving Chicago's communities, and I am proud to 
have it in my district.
  While the school stresses the importance of its students, the 
community surrounding the school appreciates the hard work and 
dedication of all the staff at the Maria Konopnicka Polish Language 
School. Parents and students understand the school's success is thanks 
to the unceasing devotion of teachers and administrative staff who work 
relentlessly for the benefit of the students.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
outstanding faculties and students, both past and present, at the Maria 
Konopnicka Polish Language School, and congratulating them on this 
special 40th anniversary. May the school continue to exhibit excellence 
in teaching students about Polish cultural heritage and language for 
years to come.

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