[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 16 (Friday, January 25, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E94]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE CAREER AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MS. JOANNE GAUS

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 25, 2019

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Joanne Gaus 
and recognize her tremendous impact as a teacher at St. Richard 
Catholic Elementary School in Chicago. Ms. Gaus' dedication to her 
students is nothing short of remarkable. At the age of 71, she claims 
she is ``not quite done yet'' despite her reputation for being the 
first to arrive and the last to leave for over 50 years. Her commitment 
to her profession and distinguished tenure stand as an example to all 
educators striving to prepare our country's youth for the future.
  Ms. Gaus started her career by teaching second and third grade at a 
time when teaching jobs were hard to come by. Her former students are 
quick to praise her, noting that she instilled confidence and curiosity 
in them, traits that have lasted throughout their academic careers and 
lives. Respected by her colleagues as well, the St. Richard School 
staff find her enthusiasm and creative approach to teaching to be 
contagious. She is also beloved by parents, since they know their 
children will be well taken care of and respected under her tutelage.
  Examples of Ms. Gaus' efforts range from decorating her classroom for 
the seasons, redesigning the classroom to encourage peer interaction, 
and incorporating new technologies into her curriculum. She always goes 
the extra mile in all of her interactions with students, while teaching 
them both academics and how to be responsible. She is constantly 
planning new ways to get her students excited, with class pets, 
creative desk set-ups, and projects.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Joanne Gaus. This 
outstanding Catholic educator has devoted her life to bettering the 
lives of her students, and she continues to spark their appreciation of 
their faith at a young age. I congratulate her on her distinguished 
accomplishments, thank her for her service, and wish her well in her 
future endeavors, whether she is teaching in the classroom or teaching 
lessons of life.

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