Concord High School Principal Gene Connolly was honored on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday afternoon.

U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, herself a Concord High School graduate from 1974, asked Speaker Paul Ryan for the floor and used her time to speak about Connolly, reflecting on the principal’s character, contributions to the school and upcoming retirement.

“Over the past 14 years, Principal Connolly has served at the helm of Concord High School, helping lead this school to multiple state championships and new academic heights,” Kuster said in her 80-second speech.  “And if it weren’t for his diagnosis of ALS, in July 2014, there is no doubt that Principal Connolly would continue to serve the students of Concord High.”

Connolly made the decision to retire earlier this year, as the progression of his ALS has made him unable to speak and walk. He has often said that without his disease, he would have liked to continue on as principal into his seventies. 

Connolly will step down from his post in July; Rundlett Middle School principal Tom Sica will succeed him.

Kuster and Connolly met in person two weeks ago, as he made the trip to Capitol Hill to advocate for three different pieces of legislation to support ALS patients. The congresswoman greeted Connolly, his wife Patty and his daughter Ally Connolly Davis warmly during the visit. 

They sat in her blue office for part of the afternoon, discussing the legislation and sharing stories.

In her speech, Kuster called the meeting a “privilege.” In an interview Tuesday, she said her meeting with the Connollys had motivated her to make the speech.

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