[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 176 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING MS. DEEDEE CHOWDHURY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ms. DeeDee 
Chowdhury on her selection as a recipient of the KinderCare Education 
Legacy Award.
  KinderCare Education is the largest private early childhood education 
provider in the US, and plays a critical role in preparing young 
children for school. KinderCare Education serves 150,000 children in 39 
states and the District of Columbia. Approximately 23 percent of their 
children are infants and toddlers. For over 40 years, KinderCare 
Learning Centers have been a place where every child can learn, 
explore, and discover in a safe and nurturing environment in more than 
1,400 community-based centers. KinderCare leads the nation in 
accredited centers and is passionate about providing children a sense 
of discovery while preparing them for success in school and beyond.
  Every year, KinderCare recognizes a select few teachers by naming 
them recipients of its Legacy Awards. This year, one of the honorees is 
my constituent: Ms. DeeDee Chowdhury. Ms. Chowdhury is an educator at 
the Silverbrook KinderCare Learning Center located in Lorton, Virginia. 
As a result of winning this prestigious award, Ms. Chowdhury will 
receive a $10,000.00 prize and will also travel to the National 
Association for the Education of Young Children's Annual Conference.
  Ms. Chowdhury is dedicated to educating the youngest members of our 
society. Early education has been proven to directly impact future 
academic performance as well as economic opportunities for children who 
have enrolled in Pre-K programs. Through her commitment and efforts, 
she is helping to ensure the future success of not only her students 
but of our community. As a parent and former member and Chairman of the 
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I understand that how the success 
of our communities is largely dependent upon the quality of our local 
schools, and that the quality of our schools is inextricably linked to 
the professionalism and expertise of their teachers.
  I have always considered public service to be one of the most noble 
of professions and the services provided by our educators are no 
exception. I commend Ms. Chowdhury for her service to our children and 
the Northern Virginia community. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating her on receiving a 2016 Legacy Award and wishing her 
great success in all future endeavors.

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