[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26693]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THOMAS J. SERRA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join in paying tribute to one of Connecticut's finest school 
administrators and community activists. People like Thomas Serra are 
what make our communities strong. From his important work educating the 
young people of Middletown for the past 30 years to his involvement in 
many other settings, he has dedicated his life to public service.
  I often speak of our Nation's need for talented, creative, 
enthusiastic teachers who are ready to help our children learn and 
grow. Tom Serra is just that kind of educator. Throughout his career, 
he has touched the lives of thousands of children--ensuring that they 
had the skills and tools necessary to be successful in their adult 
lives. Tom began as an English instructor at Vinal Technical High 
School where he would later take on the role of athletic coordinator. 
Fourteen years ago, Tom moved into administration becoming the school's 
assistant director and for the last six years, he has been leading 
Vinal as the Director.
  Public education is the cornerstone of the American dream, leveling 
the playing field and providing every child with the opportunity to 
make the most of his or her talents. It is talented professionals like 
Tom who truly shape the leaders of tomorrow. He is dedicated to the 
positive development of not only our children's intellect, but their 
character development as well. In speaking to Tom, his remarkable 
commitment and dedication to his students and Vinal is undeniable and I 
am sure his presence will be missed.
  As a lifelong resident of Middletown, Tom is deeply involved in the 
life of his community. In serving one term as Mayor, actively 
participating on the Democratic Town Committee, the City Council, the 
Police Commission, as well as a myriad of other municipal committees 
and local service organizations, he has become one of Middletown's most 
respected and highly-regarded leaders. I am confident that even in his 
retirement he will remain a strong and vocal advocate for Middletown 
and its residents.
  Today, as Tom celebrates his retirement, I would like to express my 
deepest thanks and appreciation for his tireless efforts on behalf of 
the City of Middletown. He is a leader who is second to none, and his 
talent and commitment have enriched our lives. It is with great 
pleasure that I join his wife, Maryann; his children, Jason and 
Christopher; as well as the many family, friends, and community members 
who have gathered this evening to wish Tom many more years of health 
and happiness.

                          ____________________