[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8690]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        TRIBUTE TO TODD ROSSETTI

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to 
honor Todd Rossetti for receiving his high school diploma from Concord 
High School.
  For some, a high school diploma is taken for granted. For Todd 
Rossetti, it is a celebration of the trials and tribulations that he 
has endured his entire life.
  Although Todd was born with cerebral palsy, his illness has not 
prohibited him from accomplishing anything that he has set his mind to. 
In the Concord School System, Todd was immersed in a new ``inclusion'' 
program, allowing him to participate in the mainstream curriculum.
  Though Todd's illness hinders his ability to communicate, his peers, 
teachers and administrators have grown to love him and take pride in 
ensuring that he is able to remain in mainstream classes. This support 
web has enabled Todd to attend school, follow through with scholarly 
activities, and find employment.
  When it was believed that Todd might not be able to receive his 
diploma with his class, it was that support network that spoke out. 
Because of the love and efforts of his peers, Todd will be able to 
graduate.
  As a former teacher, I feel great compassion for his struggle. He is 
a courageous and dedicated student, and it is an honor to represent him 
in the United States Senate.

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