[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 18063] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL MURPHY, RECIPIENT OF THE ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE AWARD ______ HON. ANNA G. ESHOO of california in the house of representatives Monday, September 8, 2008 Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Michael Murphy, a recipient of the prestigious St. Madeleine Sophie Award from Sacred Heart Schools. Established in the year 2000, the St. Madeleine Sophie Award honors individuals in the Sacred Heart community who have made a sustained and significant contribution to the Schools and embody the goals and criteria of a Sacred Heart education. The individuals honored are selected by a committee comprised of the senior administrative team in conjunction with the Chair of the Board of Trustees and are honored at a reception and at the Mass of the Holy Spirit, the first all-school liturgy of the school year. The recipients will be VIP guests at various SHS events throughout the year and featured in their alumni magazine, The Heart of the Matter, for their commitment to the mission of Sacred Heart education. Michael Murphy was chosen along with three other distinguished recipients to be recognized with the award for his dedication to the goals and criteria of Sacred Heart Schools. Michael (Mike) Murphy; father of Patrick (SHP 2007), has been teaching at St. Joseph's School of the Sacred Heart for 16 years as a middle school teacher. Mr. Murphy was also ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 2006. As classroom teacher and deacon, Mr. Murphy has provided spiritual guidance for his students while encouraging them to examine their spiritual lives. He challenges his students to be aware of social justice issues and to engage in service learning. Through discipline, humor and hard work, Mr. Murphy makes a difference in the lives of his students. He stepped in as interim principal for St. Joseph's for the 2007-08 school year and he accepted the role graciously and proved an effective leader for a community in need. Under his strong leadership, the St. Joseph's community reestablished many of its outreach efforts, developed a master plan for new construction and began the first year of a five-year strategic plan. Madam Speaker, I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in honoring Michael Murphy as he is recognized by the St. Madeleine Sophie Award. Through his many contributions to his family and friends, and especially the Sacred Heart community, he has more than earned the St. Madeleine Sophie Award through his special leadership and commitment to excellence. He has established a lasting legacy at Sacred Heart Schools in the life of every student who comes through its distinguished halls. Our community and our country have been strengthened by Michael Murphy and it is a privilege to honor him and his work. ____________________