[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22916]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE POLISH SATURDAY SCHOOL IN 
                            CHEEKTOWAGA, NY

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 17, 2005

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and salute the Msgr. 
P. Adamski Polish Saturday School in Cheektowaga, NY, which will 
celebrate its 50th Anniversary on Saturday, October 15. The school was 
founded thanks to the commitment of people belonging to the Polish 
Teachers Federation and the Polish Veterans Union. They were deeply 
convinced that only an educational institution which provides 
instruction in the Polish language, history and culture could keep 
their identity alive.
  Classes were held for the first time on October 1, 1955 at the Polish 
Union House. From the very beginning, the school was extremely 
successful and six weeks after opening, it moved to the premises of St. 
Stanislaus Parish, where it stayed for more than 40 years. Since 1996, 
the site of the school has been located at the parish of St. John 
Gualbert in Cheektowaga.
  Since its creation many people: parents, chaplains and teachers, put 
much effort to make the Polish Saturday School a well-functioning 
educational institution. Its authorities have always tried to provide 
high quality teachers and staff and a positive learning environment for 
its students.
  Today the school consists of 86 students and 10 teachers. Its main 
goals are to teach the language and culture of Poland, and to help 
people both young and old reconnect with the Polish tradition of their 
parents and grandparents. In order to better achieve these aims, the 
school runs kindergarten for children beginning at 4-years-old and 
provides classes for adults in learning the Polish language and 
history. The Polish Saturday School is an accredited institution and 
its students complete their education with an examination, which gives 
them three Regents credits honored by every public high school in the 
NY state.
  The Director of the school is Mrs. Mira Szramel, and all 
organizational issues belong to the Parents' Board and its Chairman, 
Krzysztof Sokolowski. The school, a nonprofit institution, is financed 
thanks to the small tuition fees from parents and the donations from 
various Polonia organizations and individuals. Invaluable help comes 
from the Chaplain of the school, Father Tadeusz Bocianowski and 
Parochial Vicar, Father David Bialkowski.
  The 50th Anniversary, also called the Golden Jubilee, is a wonderful 
occasion for paying tribute to those who throughout these past years 
created the school community and taught young people the Polish 
language, culture and tradition. Their hard work and devotion will 
never be forgotten by Polonia. From its foundation, the Polish Saturday 
School was focused on teaching children but also served the local 
Polish community. During the past 50 years, the school has built a 
strong presence among Polish-Americans in Buffalo. Students have always 
actively and willingly participated in the life of Polonia, preparing 
national and religious celebrations. They and their parents are proud 
of their Polish roots, cultivate their tradition and thus enrich the 
great diversity of American culture.
  The 50th Anniversary celebrations on Saturday, October 15, will 
consist of two main events. There will be an artistic program prepared 
by students of the school, as well as short speeches by invited guests. 
The official program will be followed by dinner and a dance with music 
played by `Polanie'. On Sunday, October 16 there will be a special Mass 
at St. Stanislaus Church, celebrated by Bishop Edward Grosz and by the 
Chaplain of the Polish Saturday School--Father Tadeusz Bocianowski. 
These celebrations will be an important event not only in the history 
of the school, but also in the history of Polonia in Western New York.

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