[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 159 (Friday, September 30, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNITION OF TONY GIACOMAZZI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 30, 2022

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tony Giacomazzi, 
affectionately known as ``Tony G.'', for his commitment to the town of 
Hillsborough and in particular its children. Tony G. has positively 
impacted thousands of Hillsborough students as both a teacher and now 
recreation leader. For his outstanding contribution, he has been 
awarded the Community Care Award for 2022 by the Associated Parents' 
Group of Hillsborough.
  Tony came to Hillsborough as a teacher in 2003 and quickly gained the 
admiration of students and parents. Originally hired as a substitute, 
he soon joined the staff in a full-time position, teaching 3rd and 4th 
graders for eight years. As a remarkable leader at West School, he 
quickly gained more responsibility as he became president of the 
Hillsborough Teacher Association. Although he wanted to become a 
principal, and earned his master's degree in administration, he was 
drawn to sports and coaching.
  Ultimately, Tony couldn't stay away from the sports fields, and he 
transitioned to the Hillsborough Recreation Department, formed through 
a joint powers agreement between the town and school district. For the 
past 12 years, he has overseen preschool programming, elementary after 
school class offerings, sports programs at Crocker Middle School, and 
classes for the greater Hillsborough community.
  Tony has the remarkable ability to remember the names of every child 
in the school district along with the names of their siblings and 
parents. With that kind of memory, the man would obviously be 
competitive running against any member of Congress, including this one. 
He's an employee of the district but he is also a parent. He volunteers 
to coach soccer, baseball, and basketball, referees flag football, and 
does master scheduling. There's often grass beneath his feet, but it 
sure doesn't grow there because this is a guy who is always on the 
move.
  The pandemic played havoc with recreation as well as learning. Tony 
was instrumental in bringing students back to campus during the 
pandemic. He worked closely with the board of education, faculty and 
the superintendent to find ways to keep the kids active yet safe. 
Teachers had childcare support because Tony arranged for it. He oversaw 
COVID testing at preschools and ensured that providers felt safe 
returning to schools.
  Tony attended both Serra High School and Mills High School. It was at 
Mills that he met his wife, Jackie. They have two sons--Max (13) and 
Zach (10). Max and Zach, in Turn, have a dog named Haze that they 
graciously agree to share with their parents. When not planning the 
next recreation event or working with the students, Tony enjoys playing 
golf, basketball and cheering for his favorite teams. He selected three 
great champions--the Giants, the Warriors and the Niners. Regrettably, 
from my personal point of view, he also roots for the Chiefs.
  In the documents describing his nomination for this year's Community 
Care Award, Tony Giacomazzi was described as the perfect mix of 
teacher, coach, friend and mentor, and it was noted that he inspires 
the children to be their best selves both on and off the court. This is 
how American is built: one character at a time across generations. 
Congratulations to Tony Giacomazzi. His career will touch generations, 
and we are grateful that he is in public service in the wonderful 
community of Hillsborough, California.

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