[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 167 (Thursday, October 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E962]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DANIELLE ``DANI'' DUGGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2023

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today in honor of the 
life of Danielle ``Dani'' Duggan.
  Born on May 7, 1966, Dani was raised in Middleborough, Massachusetts, 
where she found a passion for the arts at a young age. After graduating 
as an honors student from Middleborough High School in 1984, Dani went 
on to study at St. Michael's College, where she received an honors 
Bachelor of Arts degree in fine arts and theatre and was the recipient 
of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Society Departmental Award for outstanding 
achievement in fine arts.
  Dani then moved to Dublin, Ireland to work for the famous Abbey 
Theatre. This is where she also met her husband, Gerry Clements. She 
lived in Ireland for eight years receiving an honors master's degree in 
modern drama from University College Dublin and would later form the 
Salem Willows Theatre Company.
  Dani returned to the U.S. with her husband, Gerry, moving to 
Pembroke, Massachusetts, and over the next 24 years, she taught drama 
at Middleborough High School. During her time at MHS, she became chair 
of the fine arts department and played a pivotal role in the design and 
construction of the new Middleborough High School Performing Arts 
Center and Blackbox Theatre. At MHS, Dani directed numerous school 
productions and the speech & theater workshop, as well as several 
productions with the Plymouth Community Theatre.
  Sadly, Dani left us too soon on October 15, 2022, after a two year 
battle with cancer. Whether during her time at Middleborough High 
School or her work with the Abbey Theatre, Dani's passion for sharing 
her love for the arts serves as an example to all. Throughout her years 
at Middleborough High School, Dani laid the groundwork for the school 
district to hold an annual event celebrating students' work in the fine 
arts. On May 20, 2023, Middleborough held its inaugural Dani Duggan 
Fine Arts Festival to honor Dani's legacy.
  Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I am proud to honor the life of Dani Duggan. 
I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing her life's commitment 
to serving her community through the arts.

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