[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10314]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING KATHLEEN SHEEHAN

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 23, 2015

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the end of an era at 
Frontier Regional School in Deerfield, Massachusetts. After 35 years at 
Frontier, yesterday eighth grade science teacher Kathleen Sheehan 
retired. Kathy, or Sheehan, as her students call her, over the years 
wore a variety of hats and held a variety of teaching positions. She 
has served her entire teaching career at Frontier. Over her 35 years 
she has held many leadership positions, including Science Department 
Chair, Middle School Team Leader, Field Hockey Coach, and President of 
the Frontier's Teacher's Association. Sheehan's impact and influence on 
the students and communities of Deerfield, Conway, Whately and 
Sunderland extended far beyond the classroom.
  Always challenging her students to make the most of their education 
both inside and outside of the classroom, Sheehan proved a role model 
having taken her own advice. In 2003, she earned her law degree from 
Western New England College School of Law and immediately put her legal 
skills to use helping other teachers across the Commonwealth through 
the Massachusetts Teachers Association. She plans to continue this role 
as she transitions out of the classroom and onto retirement.
  Finally, Sheehan's commitment extends not just beyond the classroom, 
but beyond the school year. As students move on from her middle school 
classroom, she continues to foster relationships and offer guidance as 
they navigate high school and plan for college. Once graduated, she 
continues to stay connected to and support her students. She will 
happily tell you how many college graduations, advanced-degree 
graduations, and weddings she has attended of former students. Sheehan 
values community and has tirelessly integrated herself into that of 
Western Massachusetts.
  As we all know, teachers are a vital asset to society. As a role 
model for students and teachers alike, Sheehan will leave a legacy 
behind at Frontier which is unmatched by any other. On behalf of my 
constituents that attend and have graduated from Frontier Regional 
School, I thank Kathy Sheehan for her commitment to education, her 
students and the community.

                          ____________________