[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 90 (Tuesday, May 24, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CYNDY NOVOTNY

  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, I rise today to celebrate the 
retirement of Cyndy Novotny, principal of St. Anthony's Tri-Parish 
Catholic School in Casper, WY.
  This summer, Cyndy Novotny marks her 17th and final year as principal 
at St. Anthony's School. The present St. Anthony's School building 
stands as a testament to her 45-year career in education. St. Anthony's 
Catholic School was dedicated on September 27, 1927, in the belief that 
education is one of the most important ways that the Catholic Church 
fulfills its commitment to God.
  St. Anthony's School is dedicated to achieving academic excellence in 
a faith-filled community. Guided by strong religious and educational 
leadership, Casper students from preschool through eighth grade can 
learn to live enriched lives committed to Christian service.
  Cyndy was instrumental in the design and fundraising for this 
classic, state-of-the-art building. The school is able to meet 
students' educational needs while keeping them connected to their 
faith. Her skills in fundraising also supported student tuition, making 
Christian education accessible for many families.
  Cyndy grew up in the Chicago area, receiving her bachelor of science 
in elementary education from Illinois State University in 1977. After 
moving to Casper, she taught at several schools, including first grade 
at Southridge Elementary for 7 years and second grade at Sagewood 
Elementary for another 7 years. While continuing to teach, she earned 
her master's degree in teaching from Grand Canyon University in 2001.
  Cyndy was a leading light in the development of the groundbreaking 
innovative Woods Learning Center in Casper. Cyndy taught at Woods for 
14 years before accepting the principal position at St. Anthony's Tri-
Parish Catholic School.
  Cyndy is an accomplished academician, educator, and public servant. 
She worked to enhance educational curriculum and administration as a 
speaker at the National School Board Annual Convention and 
International Reading Association Annual Conference. Cyndy is also a 
dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. While teaching, she met her 
husband, Scott Novotny, a now-retired teacher from Natrona County High 
School. Together, they have three children, Mick Novotny with wife Dr. 
Ruma Novotny, Caitlin Dixon with husband Brian Dixon, and Connor 
Novotny. Cyndy and Scott also have five grandchildren: Ashwin, Colter, 
Aubrey, Austin, and Jackson.
  Cyndy's community involvement is extensive, having been awarded the 
Natrona County School District Significant Educator three times and the 
Ellbogen Meritorious Education Award She was nominated for Disney 
Teacher of the Year and was twice nominated for the Presidential Awards 
for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
  Children across Wyoming and the Nation benefited from her involvement 
with the National Education Association, National Center of Innovation 
Conference, Wyoming Reading Association, and Casper Reading 
Association.
  Cyndy's accomplishments and contributions will continue to enrich the 
education of future generations of students. The community thanks Cyndy 
for her public service. We recognize her invaluable contribution to the 
St. Anthony's Tri-Parish Catholic School, Natrona County School 
District No. 1, and the development of educational curriculum across 
Wyoming. Cyndy is a pillar of the Casper community.
  Cyndy's dedication to her faith is evident through her service as a 
eucharistic minister, Music Minister, and a member of the Parish 
Council at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. She exemplifies Christian 
values and the Code of the West, living each day with courage and 
taking pride in her work. Cyndy's joy in her work touched the lives of 
hundreds of children, including my own.
  It is with great pleasure that I recognize this outstanding member of 
our Wyoming community. My wife Bobbi joins me in extending our best 
wishes to Cyndy Novotny upon her retirement.

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