[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 98 (Tuesday, June 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING JAMES CONNOLLY AND HIS LEGACY OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2023

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay further tribute to 
James ``Jim'' Connolly of Ellington, Connecticut. A permanent fund 
bearing his name is being set up by the Ellington Community Scholarship 
Association, of which he was president for nearly 20 years. We 
recognize Jim as the Ellington Community Scholarship Association 
prepares to award the scholarship in his name to a prestigious student 
for the first time on June 6, 2023.
  Born in Queens, New York, Jim early on learned the value of a high-
quality education as a graduate of Fairfield University. In November of 
1983, he married Carol, the love of his life, and they settled in 
Ellington. There, they raised 3 beautiful children together, who have 
since gone on to provide them with an additional 3 grandchildren. He 
has long felt welcomed at home in the Ellington community, which 
clearly prompted him to search for greater opportunities to give back.
  About 20 years ago, Jim Connolly joined on as president of Ellington 
Community Scholarship Association. Founded in 1959, the Ellington 
Community Scholarship Association was established to help connect youth 
from the area to college careers. Every year, the Association commits 
thousands of dollars in scholarships for students to continue their 
education and kickstart the next stage of their lives. Under Jim's 
leadership, the Association innovated new ways to raise money, 
including wine tastings and Phone-a-thons. Having grown out a network 
of volunteers to facilitate these events, the Association's assets grew 
from $80,000 to $900,000, and the amount of permanent funds they 
managed grew from 10 to 15 under his tenure. Altogether, they have 
handed out $1,400,000 to over a thousand students.
  Jim's service through the Association is far from his only 
contribution to Ellington's youth. He has served as a coach, umpire, 
and board member for the Ellington Little League. He also was a long-
time employee at Northeast Utilities, where he served as a Senior Labor 
Consultant. His primary focus, though, has always been in support of 
students. It is no surprise that, in 2014, he was presented with the 
Friends of Ellington Education Award.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to 
the Connolly family for this well-deserved honor. Countless students 
have been able to better access a path to college because of his 
efforts. It is both fitting and proper that a permanent fund has been 
created in his name, however, we ought to do more to commit his service 
to the Second District of Connecticut to memory. To that end, I ask 
that my colleagues join me in further memorializing his name and 
legacy.

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