[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14356]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF KATHLEEN CEPEDA SARMIENTO

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2008

  Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kathleen Cepeda 
Sarmiento for her lifelong service to Guam's community. Kathleen, 
daughter of Jose Babauta Sarmiento and Maria Cepeda Sarmiento, was an 
educator who influenced many young people in Guam since 1981. We honor 
her for her dedication to her religious community and service to our 
community.
  In 1976, Kathleen graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam, and 
subsequently attended the College of San Mateo in California. She 
returned to Guam to begin her career as an educator. At this time, she 
also made the decision to become a member of the Catholic religious 
order of the Sisters of Mercy as Sister Mary Kathleen Cepeda Sarmiento.
  Kathleen pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the 
University of Guam, and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1986. In 1995, she 
graduated from the University of San Francisco with a Master of Arts 
degree in School Administration.
  Kathleen served in several positions within Guam's private Catholic 
school system, all culminating into her role as a leader to both 
teachers and students. She taught Theology and Art at the Academy of 
our Lady of Guam, Bishop Baumgartner Junior High School, and finally at 
Saint Anthony School. During the latter part of her life, Kathleen 
served as Vice Principal and Principal of St. Augustine School in 
Laredo, Texas.
  Kathleen was an innovator. At Saint Anthony School on Guam, she 
initiated the After School Extended Care Program allowing students 
greater opportunities for enhancing their educational interests. She 
implemented the Rainbows Program to help students with social and 
emotional difficulties. She also promoted the Student Cultural Exchange 
Program with students of Ako City, Japan and the Chamorro language and 
culture program.
  Kathleen helped to develop the academic strengths of students by 
encouraging their participation in extracurricular activities. Under 
her guidance, her students excelled in the Academic Challenge Bowl, 
Spelling Bee, Geography Bee, Math Olympiads, Best of Carols Program, 
and several competitions in art, essay, and speech. Her leadership and 
emphasis on academic performance contributed to the accreditation of 
Saint Anthony School by the Western Association of Schools and 
Colleges. At St. Augustine High School, Kathleen was credited for 
enhancing the fine arts program. She helped to advance information 
technology at the school by implementing a laptop ``lease-to-own'' 
program for high school students and by encouraging teachers to 
integrate more technology into their lessons.
  Kathleen was blessed with many talents. Her artistic and musical 
abilities were appreciated throughout the community. As a visual 
artist, her work was featured in numerous displays such as the American 
Cancer Society Art Auction, Guam Micronesia Island Fair, and displays 
by the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities. She was also talented 
in playing the guitar. Her music was an important part of her ministry 
and a means for reaching out to young people and senior citizens.
  Kathleen has been recognized for her many achievements. She has been 
honored through the Marquis Who's Who Publications Board; Who's Who in 
American Education; 1991 Outstanding Young Women of America; 1990 
Governor's Art Awards Program; Service Award from the Department of 
Parks and Recreation; and the Special Olympics.
  Kathleen Cepeda Sarmiento will be remembered for her dedication and 
commitment to young people and her service to our community. The people 
of Guam join her religious community, her family and friends in 
honoring her and remembering her contributions as an educator and 
community leader.

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