The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING P.J. MELVIN, RECIPIENT OF THE GREATER PITTSTON FRIENDLY
SONS OF ST. PATRICK'S 2021 ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
______
HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor P.J. Melvin, who will receive the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick's 2021 Achievement Award at their Halfway to St. Patrick's Day event on Friday, September 24, 2021.
P.J. was horn in Pittston, Pennsylvania. A lifetime resident of the area, he has lived in the family homestead since he was born. In 1964, P.J. graduated from Pittston High School, earning the title of Outstanding Senior Boy. He continued his education at King's College, graduating with degrees in sociology and English education. While at King's, he played on the football team and could be found on stage acting in Shakespearean plays.
After graduating from King's, P.J. began his career as an educator at St. Cecilia's Junior High School in Exeter, Pennsylvania. He then joined the teaching staff at the Wyoming Area School District where he held several educational positions during his tenure.
P.J. is actively involved in many community organizations and he has dedicated his time to serve in leadership roles. He is a former president of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus John F. Kennedy Council No. 372 where he previously held the position of Grand Knight.
P.J. is known for his love of Pittston, and his presence has been a mainstay in the community for generations. Always seeing the potential of his beloved hometown, he served his community and fellow citizens as a Pittston City councilman. He was instrumental in starting the Pittston Tomato Festival, an event that attracts thousands of visitors downtown annually, and he was part of the effort to bring the statue of President John F. Kennedy to Kennedy Boulevard in the city. In 2019, P.J. was unanimously chosen by the Parade Committee to serve as Grand Marshal for the Pittston St. Patrick's Day Parade.
I am honored to join with the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in recognizing P.J. as the recipient of the 2021 Achievement Award. I admire P.J's lifetime of dedication to the Greater Pittston area, and I wish him all the best.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 165
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