[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 18, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO PRINCIPAL FRANK DeANGELIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 2014

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Frank 
DeAngelis, Principal of Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado 
for his service as an educator, mentor, and community leader.
  For 35 years at Columbine High School as a teacher, coach, and 
administrator, Principal DeAngelis has guided generations of students 
from the Columbine community. Mr. DeAngelis taught social studies for 
12 years and has served as Columbine's assistant principal, dean of 
students, and principal for the last 18 years. In 2013, Principal 
DeAngelis was named the Colorado High School Principal of the Year and 
has twice been recognized as the National Principal of the Year. In 
addition, Principal DeAngelis has again been named a finalist for the 
2014 National Principal of the Year.
  Principal DeAngelis has been a cornerstone of the Columbine family in 
both its brightest and darkest days. When Principal DeAngelis heard 
gunshots ring out in the halls of Columbine on April 20, 1999, he ran 
towards danger and directed students to safety. In the aftermath of the 
horrific and tragic shootings, Principal DeAngelis provided much needed 
comfort to students, parents, and fellow teachers so they could begin 
to heal from the unspeakable pain. In the wake of an unprecedented 
tragedy, Principal DeAngelis promised the freshman class in 1999 he 
would remain with them at Columbine until they walked at graduation. He 
delivered on his promise to those students and many more.
  Principal DeAngelis put his experiences to use and traveled across 
the Nation to counsel other communities touched by tragedy. In the wake 
of the mass shooting at Virginia Tech, Principal DeAngelis came to 
Blacksburg, Virginia to offer comfort. Most recently, Principal 
DeAngelis offered his guidance as keynote speaker at the Sandy Hook 
Symposium and the National Leadership Conference for Youth.
  Beyond his role as an administrator, Mr. DeAngelis contributed to the 
Columbine community's athletic programs for many years. Throughout his 
13 year career as assistant coach on the football team and head coach 
for varsity baseball, Coach DeAngelis guided student athletes to 
success on the field and imparted valuable lessons beyond athletics.
  Last August, Principal DeAngelis announced his intention to retire at 
the end of the 2013-2014 school year. As he wrote to parents, students, 
and fellow teachers, Principal DeAngelis' ``heart will always be with 
Columbine,'' and his legacy at Columbine High School will live on for 
years to come. We are truly blessed to have such an extraordinary 
leader in our community and wish him all the best in his retirement.