[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 10182-10183]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL VALMORO III

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
distinguished career of an outstanding American, Mr. Michael Valmoro of 
Mahwah, New Jersey. Serving his community as a teacher of English, 
world literature and the works of William Shakespeare at Teaneck High 
School for the past thirty-eight years, he is one of the longest 
serving teachers in the history of the New Jersey school system. That 
tremendous achievement alone is worthy of praise. However, his 
commitment to his students by opening their young minds to the world's 
great literature and the genius of William Shakespeare has made him a 
respected educator and pillar of the community.
  Cicero once professed, ``What nobler employment, or more valuable to 
the state, than that of the man who instructs the rising generation.'' 
It is clear that Mr. Valmoro has taken Cicero's wisdom to heart during 
the course of the last four decades, as he has enlightened and inspired 
the thousands of students fortunate enough to have passed through his 
classroom.
  Whether he was teaching his students to express themselves through 
creative writing, introducing them to the tragedy of ``Romeo and 
Juliet'' or reveling in the simple joy found in one of Shakespeare's 
sonnets, Mr. Valmoro approached each of his lessons with the wisdom and 
perspective of a scholar and the unbridled enthusiasm of an eager 
student.
  In one of the scenes of ``King Lear,'' the titular monarch asks his 
audience, ``Who is it who can tell me who I am?'' This question often 
presents itself to an individual upon the twilight of their career. If 
the outpouring of accolades, fond reminiscence and affection are any 
indication, the answer to this probing question for Mr. Valmoro is, an 
excellent teacher, a trusted mentor, a lover of great literature and an 
inspiration to his colleagues, students and family.

[[Page 10183]]

  Throughout his distinguished tenure, Mr. Valmoro has exemplified the 
ideals which the American people value in their educators. It is with 
my most sincere congratulations and respect that I recognize him today 
in the Senate.

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