[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24415]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO THE EXEMPLARY HISTORY OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE TOWN OF 
                         KILLINGLY, CONNECTICUT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2008

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the exemplary history of 
public education in the town of Killingly, Connecticut.
  This year, the town of Killingly celebrates the 300th anniversary 
since its incorporation in 1708. Equally inspiring, it celebrates the 
150th anniversary of its public education system. The development of 
public education in Killingly has been a microcosm of the region, the 
state of Connecticut, and country as a whole--it is a model of 
progress.
  From a time when providing free education to the public was a 
visionary innovation to a time when teacher shortages plagued the 
country when teachers were drafted to serve in World War II, 
Killingly's education system persevered and thrived.
  The mission outlined by the town of Killingly for its school system 
includes as a high priority fostering citizenship in our Nation's next 
generation. Moreover, Killingly's contribution to citizenship is not 
confined to the classroom. I was proud to see pictures of the high 
school marching band in a Veterans' Day parade. Killingly's commitment 
to community and progress is certain to continue to energize its 
education system for another 150 years.
  I am pleased to see Killingly's strong commitment to education, 
evolving over many generations. I know Connecticut will continue to 
benefit from Killingly's progress for generations to come.

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