[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 38 (Wednesday, February 26, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LEMONT POLISH CLUB AND ST. JOHN PAUL II POLISH SCHOOL ON 
   THEIR 40TH ANNIVERSARY AND THE POLANIE DANCE GROUP ON THEIR 20TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 2020

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Lemont 
Polish Club, St. John Paul II Polish School and the Polanie Dance Group 
from Lemont, Illinois. This year the Lemont Polish Club and Polish 
School will celebrate their 40th Anniversary, while the Polanie dance 
group will celebrate its 20th anniversary.
   Founded in 1980 by Father Edward Witusik, the Lemont Polish Club has 
upheld the traditions, customs, and language of our Polish heritage, 
and united the Polish community through our Catholic roots. Shortly 
after its creation, the Lemont Polish Club founded the St. John Paul II 
Polish School. The St. John Paul II Polish School serves the people of 
Polish heritage of Lemont by offering kindergarten through high school 
students the opportunity to connect with and explore their Polish 
heritage. For forty years the school has excelled in teaching its 
students Polish language, history, and culture. Thousands of children 
have learned about Polish cultural heritage as well as the role Poles 
play in the United States and the world now and into the future. With 
its emphasis on civic responsibility, the school produces students 
dedicated to supporting and improving Chicago's communities, and I am 
proud to have it in my district.
   The school has seen tremendous growth since its founding. Starting 
with just 41 students in 1980, enrollment in the Polish school has 
increased to over 800 students. As St. John Paul II Polish School has 
grown, they have been able offer more opportunities for their students 
to learn about and enjoy Polish culture. In 2000, the Polish School 
created the Polish Dance Group Polanie. The student dancers dress in 
traditional Polish costumes and perform traditional Polish dances at 
competitions and festivals across the United States and Europe.
   Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Lemont Polish Club, St. John Paul II Polish School and the Polanie 
Dance Group on their anniversaries and congratulating them on their 
many accomplishments. May the Lemont Polish Club and Polish School 
continue their great work in the community, and I wish them the best as 
they continue to preserve their traditions for generations to come.

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