[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9799]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO SIX HONOREE TEACHERS OF ST. RICHARDS SCHOOL

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 16, 2005

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of six 
exemplary veteran teachers who have combined experience of over 166 
years in the teaching profession. In April these six teachers were 
honored with the Heart of St. Richards Parish award because of the 
positive influences they contribute to students, families, and the 
whole community of St. Richards Parish. Today, I ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring these teachers for their outstanding commitment to 
our Nation's youth. They stand as a symbol of the positive influences 
that teachers contribute to students every day across this great 
country.
  The first teacher I am privileged to recognize is Mrs. Kathleen 
Riordan Pona who began teaching in 1959 with a class of 51 energetic 
second grade students. Mrs. Pona has served with 4 pastors and 7 
principals who have helped her build the foundation that has continued 
the road of success at St. Richards School. Her 43 years of teaching is 
a shining light for teachers around the country who are beginning their 
careers in teaching and struggling to bring success to the classroom on 
an annual basis. This Nation is indebted to Mrs. Pona and teachers like 
her who have made teaching their first love.
  Miss Joann Gaus began her teaching career in 1969 at St. Richards 
School and continually requested new opportunities inside and outside 
of the classroom to benefit the lives of her students. Miss Gaus had 
the honor of taking an active part in the parochial education of her 
students preparing them for both Communion and Reconciliation. She has 
been a team leader in the teaching profession by being a coordinator 
for nearly every subject area and representing her fellow faculty 
members at meetings within the Archdiocesan Council.
  Another outstanding teacher is Ms. Josephine Granat who has 
graciously and excitedly served her students for 32 years in teaching 
and 17 years at St. Richards. Her concern for her students is matched 
by the excitement and energy that she brings into the classroom. St. 
Richards is proud and lucky to have such a great teacher continuing her 
career at their institution of learning.
  Mrs. Rita Zbella is currently in her 29th year of teaching at St. 
Richards School, where she came and taught in 1976. Mrs. Zbella has 
proven to be an essential asset to St. Richards where she is currently 
teaching the computer class, which ranges from 3-year-old preschoolers 
to 8th grade junior high students. Her commitment to her family and 
profession is representative of the sacrifices teachers make everyday 
in their lives.
  Mr. Frank Trapani has been a teacher for 28 years, dedicating 20 of 
those years at St. Richards teaching religion and social studies. 
Individuals like Mr. Trapani enjoy the feeling of community, 
connection, brotherhood and sisterhood, and culture that a teacher 
receives when teaching at a parochial school. As a teacher, Mr. Trapani 
enjoys the privilege of being able to know his students, their parents, 
and the community that make up St. Richards Parish. He is truly 
grateful to have been able to dedicate his life to the teaching 
profession.
  Finally, it is an honor to give praise to Mrs. Pamela Toppings, who 
began her teaching career in 1984 and has dedicated 21 years to St. 
Richards School. Her career is a promising one and her experience with 
St. Richards has been rewarding. St. Richards is fortunate to have a 
quality teacher as shown by Mrs. Topping's dedication and hard work.
  I am honored today to pay tribute to 6 wonderful and dedicated 
teachers who have shown quality service to a great institution, St. 
Richards School.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Kathleen Riordan Pona, Joann Gaus, 
Josphine Granat, Rita Zbella, Frank Trapani, Pamela Toppings, and the 
parish of St. Richards for the many years it has provided services to 
the community and wish them the very best in the years yet to come.

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