[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15522]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO SISTER MARIE BERNARDE PROCKNAL OF THE BUFFALO SISTERS OF 
                                 MERCY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 17, 2009

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sister Marie 
Bernarde Procknal of the Buffalo Sisters of Mercy. It is my privilege 
to recognize her for her service to our community through education.
  Her commitment to education begins with her own. She graduated with 
Bachelor's Degree from Niagara University, received Master's Degree 
from Canisius College, and took part in a career and guidance 
fellowship at Boston University. She also is certified through New York 
State in kindergarten through sixth grade, junior high school social 
studies, and high school guidance.
  Sister Marie chose to use her education to serve others through 
teaching at several elementary and junior high schools in the Western 
New York Community.
  However, Sister Marie's dedication and hard work did not go 
unnoticed. She received a grant from the Diocese of Buffalo and the 
National Principals' Association in order for her to further education 
at SUNY Plattsburg, where she earned a certification in administration 
and supervision.
  After earning a degree, she returned to the schools in the Buffalo 
area to continue her role in shaping the community through education 
and service. She worked as the principal of St. William Elementary 
School and St. Thomas Aquinas. She then was as Supervisor of Sisters of 
Mercy Elementary and Secondary Schools, and served as a guidance 
counselor at Mt. Mercy Academy.
  Sister Marie's roles as educator and leader were conveyed in 2008, 
when Sister Marie was chosen to help celebrate the Sisters of Mercy's 
150th Anniversary by throwing the first pitch at the June 22nd Bisons 
game.
  Sister Marie continues to give back to the community that helped 
raise her. Today, she works at Trocaire College as a member of the 
Students Affairs Teams and as a Career Counselor. She helps students 
through sharing her insights and advising them on their own education.
  My community is blessed to have Sister Marie. Her unwavering 
dedication and selfless service allows us to be confident in our 
community's future as she is preparing a new generation of bright and 
giving Americans. Today, I ask my fellow Members of Congress to help me 
thank an extraordinary woman, whom I admire, for her service and 
commitment to the young people of New York's 27th Congressional 
District.

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