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[Pages S2691-S2692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO PIA CORONA
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, there are so many critical jobs that go on
around the Capitol that may not always get the spotlight or
appreciation they deserve.
Today, I would like to mention one such amazing person, Pia Corona,
or as she is affectionately known, Ms. Pia.
You see, Pia is a teacher at the Senate Employees Childcare Center, a
caring, nurturing, and deeply special component of the Senate
community.
Six years ago, on the 30th anniversary of the center, then-Senator
Tom Harkin described the teachers and administrators at the center as,
``some of the unsung heroes of the Senate.''
I couldn't agree more, and it is a privilege to pay special tribute
today to one of those unsung heroes.
This month marks Pia's 25 year anniversary teaching at the center, a
monumental accomplishment that has allowed her the opportunity to have
a lasting impact on countless young lives.
A number of children of my staff were fortunate to have Ms. Pia as a
teacher and cannot say enough wonderful things about her, so much so
that they still keep in touch and bring their children by to visit
years after leaving the center. Elle, Oliver and Leo, just three of
many examples, still recognize Ms. Pia as an impactful figure in their
early lives and in their education.
Pia, a stalwart New York Yankees fan, started at the Senate Employees
Childcare Center in May 1995, always working in the pre-kindergarten
class to help children prepare for the big jump to elementary school
kindergarten. Over the last two and half decades, she taught more than
400 children, including many siblings.
Ms. Pia has a unique understanding of how each child learns
differently and loving ability to meet those individual needs at such a
tender and formative age. Not surprisingly, she is described by her
colleagues as a walking encyclopedia of knowledge on child development,
and her classroom lessons and caring style reflect these incredible
talents.
One of her special field trips was a walk over to the late Senator
John Glenn's office when her students were studying space. A picture of
this outing still hangs at the center.
Pia also helped organize a visit to this very Senate floor for her
class. They listened patiently as the Secretary of the Senate gave her
own pre-K version of School House Rock. It was, without a doubt, the
most well-behaved gathering that the Senate floor has seen in years.
Pia makes such an impression on children that many of her former
students still reach out to her, including one recent college graduate
who wanted to say thank you all these years later. I know children of
some of my staff have returned to the center to read to Ms. Pia's
students during storytime.
As we struggle with the coronavirus pandemic, we have all been
reminded once again of the critical importance of our teachers and
schools. Ms. Pia's students certainly knew that was the case from their
time in her class.
We all remember a teacher or two who made a lasting impact on our
lives growing up--challenging us, inspiring us, nurturing us. Ms. Pia
will surely be one that many remember as just such a special teacher.
I congratulate Pia Corona on her notable anniversary and deeply
meaningful contribution to the Senate community. Our country and our
world need good news and kindness right now. Simply put, that is Ms.
Pia.
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