[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2284]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING SANDRA MacKINNON COSENZA ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the many family, friends and colleagues who have gathered to 
honor a very special woman, and my dear friend, Sandra MacKinnon 
Cosenza, as she celebrates her retirement. After more than thirty-four 
years of dedicated service, Sandy will be leaving Area Cooperative 
Education Services, one of six educational service centers that were 
formed under Connecticut State Statute in 1970. A result of recognizing 
that school districts must work together to meet the ever-changing 
needs of local education systems, these centers provide an environment 
where quality programs can be planned, developed and implemented--
giving our young people access to the best educational opportunities 
possible.
  Education is the cornerstone of success and the most critical link 
between our young people and their futures. Throughout our country, we 
look to our towns and cities to provide these invaluable skills to our 
children. That is what ACES is all about and its success would not have 
been possible without Sandy. As former Executive Director Peter Young 
recently described, for the first twenty years of its existence, Sandy 
was the heart of the ACES Personnel office--advertising vacancies, 
processing applications, providing orientation for new hires and 
ensuring that staff not only received their benefits but also met their 
specific needs. Everyone consulted with Sandy and welcomed her advice 
and suggestions. In addition, she built and improved staff spirit by 
organizing social events and took special care to provide the Governing 
Board with all that they needed.
  Beyond her administrative skills was her commitment to the students 
of ACES. Though many of them will never know, Sandy's genuine care and 
concern for their education both inside and outside the classroom made 
all the difference in their lives. She began a Jesse tree which allowed 
staff to contribute clothing and other gifts at Christmas for students 
who came from families in need. She fostered the notion of Holiday 
cards for ACES--cards designed by students which were used as an 
outreach tool to the school districts which they serve. It is from 
these special contributions to the ACES students that Sandy was able to 
pass on a very unique lesson--they learned the value and reward of 
giving back to their community. It is easy to see why Sandy will be 
missed by staff and students alike.
  In addition to her career at ACES, Sandy has been married to her 
wonderful husband, Henry, for forty-two years and has raised two 
exceptional daughters, Robyn and Jennifer. She has also recently become 
a grandmother--a role which no doubt she will happily dedicate more of 
her time to in her retirement. I could not speak about Sandy without 
also personally thanking her for her many years of special friendship. 
She is more than a friend--she is family. Words cannot begin to express 
my appreciation and gratitude for the tireless support she has shown to 
me and my family.
  And so, it is with deep admiration and affection that I stand today 
to join her husband, Henry; her children, Robyn and Jennifer; her son-
in-law, Kevin, her grandson, Ian; family, friends and colleagues in 
extending my sincere congratulations to Sandra Cosenza as she 
celebrates her retirement. Sandy is a remarkable woman whose generosity 
and compassion has left an indelible mark on the lives of all of those 
who know her and many that do not. Though she will be enjoying her 
retirement years, I am certain that Sandy will continue to touch the 
lives of others--her extraordinary warmth and kind heart making all the 
difference. I am happy to extend my very best wishes to her for many 
more years of health and happiness.

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