[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 153 (Monday, September 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE SAINT LAWRENCE SCHOOL ON ITS CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2017

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Saint Lawrence School of 
West Haven, Connecticut as they mark their centennial anniversary--a 
remarkable milestone for this wonderful educational institution.
  The Saint Lawrence Roman Catholic Church named its first resident 
pastor, the Reverend Jeremiah Curtin, in 1895, and it was his fondest 
wish that a school could be established for the parish children. Though 
it took much time, in 1917 construction of the Saint Lawrence School 
began under Father Curtin's dedicated direction. Soon, four classrooms 
were ready and three Sisters of St. Joseph Chambery arrived to begin 
teaching. The school quickly grew, both physically and in student 
population, and within a decade, configurations for grades 1 through 8 
were completed.
  Throughout its 100-year history, thousands of students have passed 
through the halls of Saint Lawrence School, receiving educational 
nourishment of the mind, body, and soul. Since its inception, students 
of Saint Lawrence School have not only received an academic education 
but have also learned the importance of giving back to one's community. 
In its earliest days during World War II, the school served as a 
fallout shelter with water and food stored in the basement. Students 
and staff worked diligently to raise scholarship funds and plan 
community social activities.
  It was a Catholic education that taught me the best value of my time 
on earth is to give back to my community and my neighbors. In no small 
way, it moved me to serve the larger community, and instilled in me a 
commitment to the moral purposes of good government. Education is the 
cornerstone of success, opening the doors of opportunity and allowing 
our children to pursue their dreams. A Catholic education embodies the 
very best of our values, and faith, balancing academic rigor and the 
important lessons of service. This is particularly true for the Saint 
Lawrence School. Students are not only provided the skills and tools 
that they need academically, but they develop an appreciation and 
understanding of the impact their contributions can make in the world. 
It is from that strong foundation of academic excellence and community 
service that they can build their future success.
  A cornerstone of faith and education for a century, the Saint 
Lawrence School has created an educational environment which fosters 
the spiritual, academic, and physical growth of its students and 
challenges them to use their talents in service--an environment that is 
reflected throughout their curriculum and in the day to day activities 
of the students, faculty, and staff. I am proud to stand today to 
extend my sincere congratulations to them as they celebrate their 100th 
Anniversary, and wish them all the best for many more years of success.

                          ____________________