[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 201 (Thursday, November 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF MS. JANIS SANTOS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2021

  Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
extend my warmest congratulations to my good friend Janis Santos on her 
retirement following 40 years of dedicated public service to the 
children and families of western Massachusetts.
  A pioneer in the field of early education and childhood development, 
Janis most recently served as CEO of Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head 
Start. Through her efforts to expand Head Start's programs across the 
Commonwealth, Janis has played a prominent role in improving the lives 
of more than 1,000 young children. Her diligence in directing the only 
migrant, seasonal Head Start program in Massachusetts only further 
demonstrates her exceptional commitment to helping the most vulnerable 
families in our communities.
  In 1973, Janis began her lifelong advocacy and action on behalf of 
children and families by launching one of the first early-childhood 
centers in Ludlow, Massachusetts. Just six years later, in recognition 
of her cutting-edge approach to the field, Janis was taken on as 
Executive Director of Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start, During 
her expansive and impressive career, Janis has served as Chair of the 
Massachusetts Head Start Directors Association, the New England Head 
Start Association, as well as a member of the National Advisory Panel 
for the Head Start 2010 Project here in our nation's capital. While her 
myriad of leadership roles is most impressive, what I most admire about 
Janis is the tireless dedication she has demonstrated throughout her 
40-year career to providing our youth the resources they need to 
succeed in the future.
  Madam Speaker, in light of Janis Santos' many achievements and 
remarkable contributions to the early education of the children of 
western Massachusetts, as well as her role in shaping conversations on 
early education throughout the nation, I would like to thank Janis for 
her steadfast service, and offer my personal best wishes for a long, 
happy, and healthy retirement.

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