Honoring Salvatore Punzo on the Occasion of His Retirement

HONORING SALVATORE PUNZO ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 09, 2004)

SPEECH OF HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO OF CONNECTICUT
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2004

Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered to extend my best wishes to my good friend, Salvatore Punzo, as he celebrates his retirement after 35 years in education.

I have often spoke of our Nation's need for talented educators ready to help our children learn and grow. Sal has been just that kind of teacher and administrator. In a career that has spanned over three decades, he has touched the lives of thousands of our young people-helping them to build a strong foundation for their future success. We owe a debt of gratitude to teachers like Sal, who so willingly dedicate themselves to ensuring that our children have access to the best possible education.

Our teachers and school administrators spend many hours with our children, ensuring that they develop the tools and skills they will need as they continue their education and move into adulthood. Sal began his career in education as a teacher with the New Haven Public School system, where he spent the next 16 years in teaching grades three through five. In that time, he developed a strong reputation for his commitment to education and to meeting the needs of his students. After being appointed to a new administrator's mentoring program, he went on to serve as an assistant principal and finally, for nearly two decades, as the Principal of East Rock Magnet School.

After 17 years, Sal will now retire as the Principal of East Rock Magnet School-one of the most successful magnet schools in the State of Connecticut. Under his tenure, East Rock has blossomed-receiving numerous awards and recognitions, including being named a Vanguard School. In fact, just last year, I was honored to join Sal at East Rock to celebrate the success of the Model Laptop Program. This program, funded by one of only five such U.S. Department of Education grants in the country, tests the impact of introducing laptops in third through fifth grade classrooms. The success of East Rock, with this program and so many others, is remarkable and testament to Sal's leadership.

Salvatore Punzo has dedicated a lifetime to making a difference in the lives of children through education. We are so fortunate to have people like him working with our young people. Teacher, administrator, and advocate-he embodies all that an educator should be. I am proud to stand today and join his wife, Carmela; his children Sal and Michael; his five grandchildren, family, friends, and colleagues in congratulating Salvatore Punzo on the occasion of his retirement. My best wishes for many more years of health and happiness.