[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14407]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING MR. MICHAEL HOGAN OF HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 204 ON HIS 
                               RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2007

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional 
educator in my district, Mr. Michael Hogan. For 30 years, Mr. Hogan has 
devoted his time and energy to the students and families of High School 
District 204 in Cook County. Now, as he prepares for his retirement, I 
would like to thank him for his years of dedicated service.
  Mr. Hogan's decision to become a teacher led him to college to 
complete his degree and education certification in 1978. To finance his 
education, Mr. Hogan took on a wide variety of service jobs, where he 
developed a disciplined attitude and strong work ethic that continues 
to guide his life. Mr. Hogan's awareness of the importance of family, 
friends, integrity, and career is the foundation of his professional 
success, and has led his colleagues and the communities he serves to 
hold him in the highest regard.
  Mr. Hogan began his career in education as a special education 
teacher at Lyons Township High School, serving students who felt 
disconnected from their families, school, and peers because of 
emotional and behavioral disabilities. He provided the structure, 
empathic concern, and skill-building activities that his students 
needed to allow them an opportunity to develop trusting relationships 
with others and graduate from high school to become productive 
citizens. Mr. Hogan later became the Dean of Students in High School 
District 204. Again, his commitment to teaching the skills of 
responsible decision-making and his willingness to help individuals 
understand and assume responsibility for their actions resulted in a 
positive, life-changing experience for countless students.
  For the final 15 years of his career, Mr. Hogan has served as 
Associate Principal, dedicating himself to his principle of ``making 
the school work.'' His fairness, integrity, and meticulous attention to 
detail have impacted the daily lives of all those he has served: the 
faculty, staff, and families of Lyons Township High School.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Michael Hogan 
as an outstanding educator, and recognize his tireless efforts to 
educate and develop generations of confident, responsible, and 
disciplined students. He has done nothing less than an extraordinary 
job in preparing future generations for their challenges ahead. I thank 
and congratulate Michael for his service and dedication and wish him a 
happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.

                          ____________________