Honoring Mary Moninger-Elia For Her Outstanding Service

HONORING MARY MONINGER-ELIA FOR HER OUTSTANDING SERVICE-HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO (Extensions of Remarks - October 11, 2004)

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to join the West Haven Federation of Teachers and School Nurses in honoring a very special member of our community-Mary Moninger-Elia. Teacher, advocate, mentor, and friend, Mary has exemplified all that a community leader should be and through her efforts has made a difference in the lives of many.

Our teachers are a vital resource for all of our communities. By giving our children the tools and skills they will need-the foundation on which our young people will build their future success-the contributions teachers make to our children's lives is invaluable. I have often spoke of our nation's need for talented, creative educators ready to help our children learn and grow. Mary was just that kind of teacher.

Mary began her career at West Haven High School where she spent 25 years teaching Home Economics. During her tenure, one of her most interesting additions to the curriculum was the creation of a very successful preschool program. The program paired 3 and 4 year old children with the high school students and served as a tool to teach students how to interact with toddlers. With many students having aspirations of becoming teachers and parents, this innovative approach was a first step in preparing for what one can expect from such young children. After 25 years with high school students, Mary decided to move to a different age group. She moved to Bailey Middle School where she taught both Study Skills and Social Science until her retirement just 2 years ago. Throughout her career, Mary touched the lives of thousands of students, helping them to realize their potential and make their dreams a reality.

In addition to her daily professional contributions, Mary has long been a staunch advocate for teachers and education. She has worked with legislators at every level of government to ensure that their concerns and needs were heard. She was elected to serve on the Connecticut AFL-CIO Executive Board and the Greater New Haven Labor Council. But perhaps where she had the greatest impact was through her 24 year tenure as the President of the West Haven Federation of Teachers and School Nurses-the longest consecutive term of any president of any American Federation of Teachers Local in Connecticut. Her diligence, commitment and dedication earned her a distinguished reputation throughout Connecticut. In fact just prior to her stepping down in June of this year, Mary was honored by the Connecticut branch of the American Federation of Teachers with the prestigious Unionist of the Year Award-the highest such honor bestowed by the organization.

We have certainly been fortunate to have an individual like Mary working so hard, not only on behalf of our students, but for our teachers and our education system as well. For her many contributions and outstanding service, I am proud to stand today to join the West Haven Federation of Teachers and School Nurses, family, friends, and colleagues in extending my sincere thanks and appreciation to Mary Moninger-Elia for her lifetime of good work. Hers is a legacy that will continue to live on through the many lives she has touched.