[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 103 (Wednesday, June 3, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2691-S2692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO PIA CORONA

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, there are so many critical jobs that go on 
around the Capitol that may not always get the spotlight or 
appreciation they deserve.
  Today, I would like to mention one such amazing person, Pia Corona, 
or as she is affectionately known, Ms. Pia.
  You see, Pia is a teacher at the Senate Employees Childcare Center, a 
caring, nurturing, and deeply special component of the Senate 
community.
  Six years ago, on the 30th anniversary of the center, then-Senator 
Tom Harkin described the teachers and administrators at the center as, 
``some of the unsung heroes of the Senate.''
  I couldn't agree more, and it is a privilege to pay special tribute 
today to one of those unsung heroes.
  This month marks Pia's 25 year anniversary teaching at the center, a 
monumental accomplishment that has allowed her the opportunity to have 
a lasting impact on countless young lives.
  A number of children of my staff were fortunate to have Ms. Pia as a 
teacher and cannot say enough wonderful things about her, so much so 
that they still keep in touch and bring their children by to visit 
years after leaving the center. Elle, Oliver and Leo, just three of 
many examples, still recognize Ms. Pia as an impactful figure in their 
early lives and in their education.
  Pia, a stalwart New York Yankees fan, started at the Senate Employees 
Childcare Center in May 1995, always working in the pre-kindergarten 
class to help children prepare for the big jump to elementary school 
kindergarten. Over the last two and half decades, she taught more than 
400 children, including many siblings.
  Ms. Pia has a unique understanding of how each child learns 
differently and loving ability to meet those individual needs at such a 
tender and formative age. Not surprisingly, she is described by her 
colleagues as a walking encyclopedia of knowledge on child development, 
and her classroom lessons and caring style reflect these incredible 
talents.
  One of her special field trips was a walk over to the late Senator 
John Glenn's office when her students were studying space. A picture of 
this outing still hangs at the center.
  Pia also helped organize a visit to this very Senate floor for her 
class. They listened patiently as the Secretary of the Senate gave her 
own pre-K version of School House Rock. It was, without a doubt, the 
most well-behaved gathering that the Senate floor has seen in years.
  Pia makes such an impression on children that many of her former 
students still reach out to her, including one recent college graduate 
who wanted to say thank you all these years later. I know children of 
some of my staff have returned to the center to read to Ms. Pia's 
students during storytime.
  As we struggle with the coronavirus pandemic, we have all been 
reminded once again of the critical importance of our teachers and 
schools. Ms. Pia's students certainly knew that was the case from their 
time in her class.
  We all remember a teacher or two who made a lasting impact on our 
lives growing up--challenging us, inspiring us, nurturing us. Ms. Pia 
will surely be one that many remember as just such a special teacher.
  I congratulate Pia Corona on her notable anniversary and deeply 
meaningful contribution to the Senate community. Our country and our 
world need good news and kindness right now. Simply put, that is Ms. 
Pia.

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