[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 10468-10469]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING NADINE CIOFFI AND THE WILLIAM FLOYD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. FELIX J. GRUCCI, JR.

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2002

  Mr. GRUCCI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Ms. Nadine Cioffi and 
the William Floyd Elementary School in Mastic Beach, New York, upon 
their receipt of The New York State Health Facilities Association's 
``Group Volunteer of the Year'' award for 2002.
  Ms. Cioffi is honored today for her unwavering commitment to the 
students of William Floyd Elementary School by establishing a pen-pal 
club 13 years ago for her 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders.
  Every September the students of Ms. Cioffi's classes send letters to 
the residents of Cedar Lodge Nursing Home in Center Moriches, New York 
and have the opportunity to meet with their pen pals later in the year. 
This program has served to enrich the lives of both students and 
seniors alike.

[[Page 10469]]

  The value of bringing lives together has been rich and fulfilling. 
Students have the opportunity to speak and listen to seniors who have 
much to give of themselves. Students provide company and friendship to 
the residents of Cedar Lodge, friendship they might not otherwise have 
received in their day to day lives.
  Ms. Cioffi has shown a commitment to excellence and a spirit of 
ingenuity that has fostered a thriving relationship between her 
students and residents of Cedar Lodge Nursing Home. She has planted and 
nurtured the seeds of friendship and virtue within the budding minds of 
her students. I am truly touched by her devotion, and wish her success 
in all of her future endeavors.

                          ____________________