In Recognition of Shirley V. Edwards
IN RECOGNITION OF SHIRLEY V. EDWARDS -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 05, 2004)
SPEECH OF
HON. NYDIA M. VELÁZQUEZ
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2004
Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the achievements of Shirley V. Edwards, a visionary and the principal of EBC High School/Bushwick, Brooklyn in the 12th Congressional District.
After 25 years of blight, Bushwick is experiencing a renaissance. Despite this, it continues to suffer from a high rate of unemployment and poverty. Shirley Edwards, armed with her education specialist background, knew she had a mission to fulfill. She understood that education was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and she dedicated herself to the creation of EBC High School for public service and academic excellence.
For the last 10 years, Principal Edwards has called EBC High School/Bushwick her home, serving as a mentor to both students and teachers alike. She is said to have led EBC/Bushwick down the "road not taken," showing many in the community that it was possible to leave an imprint when they had lost all hope. She was instrumental in creating an array of innovative programs, leaving behind an important legacy that forms the foundation of the high school.
Principal Edwards, among her many positive contributions, introduced students to the value of public service and giving back to their community, encouraging them to make a real difference. She witnessed first-hand how drugs, crime and poverty devastated lives, and she made it her mission to empower students and to give them a second chance at earning an education and forging a better path for themselves in the future. Principal Edwards motivated students to become enthusiastic lifelong learners and responsible adults. She truly changed lives-now over 90 percent of her graduating classes are pursuing college degrees.
Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Shirley V. Edwards, and join with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to recognize her extraordinary work in New York City's public education system.