[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 111 (Wednesday, June 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE CAREER OF SISTER MARALYNN SCIARRINO UPON HER RETIREMENT

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 2017

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Sister Maralynn Sciarrino as she steps down from her position as 
Director of the Mercy Speech Center after 49 years of extraordinary 
service. Sister Maralynn's skill as a speech pathologist and her caring 
presence provided countless children from Western New York with the 
skills and confidence necessary to be articulate and successful in 
school and in life.
  Founded in 1956 by Sister Maureen Kelly, Mercy Speech Center provides 
professional evaluation and speech therapy to children with speech and 
language disorders. The Center puts the needs of children first as it 
provides services to families who may not have been able to afford such 
personal attention.
  Sister Maralynn has devoted her life to helping and serving others 
since joining the Sisters of Mercy at the age of 18. She taught 
elementary school for several years before beginning her career at The 
Mercy Speech Center in 1962. Focused on helping children overcome 
speech and language disorders, Sister studied speech pathology and 
audiology at the Catholic University of America, eventually earning a 
masters degree.
  Sister Maralynn put that degree to work as she helped children with 
speech and auditory processing challenges when no one else could, 
earning the love, respect and gratitude of all those lives she so 
positively impacted. Sister Maralynn founded the Magic Penny Program at 
the Center which combines basic speech therapy with a literacy program, 
enabling students to develop their speaking abilities as well as their 
reading abilities. Her innate ability to connect and communicate with 
children contributed to her success as a speech pathologist and the 
invaluable impact of the Mercy Speech Center.
  Known for her laughing eyes, bright smile and the kindest of hearts, 
Sister Maralynn remains a gift to education and a valued member of her 
community. She changed lives and her own life serves as an example of 
how one person truly can make a difference.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize 
Sister Maralynn Sciarrino and her impactful career at the Mercy Speech 
Center. Sister Maralynn's life of service to the youth of Western New 
York is inspirational, impressive and worthy of recognition. I am proud 
to honor Sister Maralynn and wish her continued health and happiness as 
she begins the next chapter of her remarkable life.

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