[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 88 (Wednesday, May 24, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING ANN BERRY
(Mr. PANETTA asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I recognize Ann Berry, who, for the past 44
years, affected the lives of students, teachers, and families in the
Carmel Unified School District.
This month, Ms. Berry is retiring as Carmel High School's attendance
secretary, where she ensured that students not only attended school but
enjoyed school.
She started in 1979 as a parent who showed up to ensure that her
daughter wasn't skipping class. She did such a good job in that role
that Carmel High School hired her to keep other students in school.
It was a vocation for Ms. Berry that affected thousands of other
Padres, including my two older brothers, myself, and now my two
daughters, who attend Carmel High School.
Through her work, our community relied on Ms. Berry as a cop for
keeping kids in class, as a comedian for keeping kids happy, as a
counselor well aware of teen mental health concerns, as a coach for
common sense, and as a supporter of Padre athletic and academic
success.
For four decades, Ms. Berry was that dependable school administrator.
She was that voice of reason for parents, and she is that trusted adult
for teenagers.
As one of her students and now as her Congressman, I thank and
congratulate Ms. Ann Berry for her service, for her support, and for
being that solid cornerstone of the Carmel High community.
____________________