[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1107-E1108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM K. WATERS

                                 ______


                             HON. JACK REED

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 23, 1995
  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a gentleman who 
has dedicated his life to one of our Nation's most honorable and 
arduous professions: teaching. Mr. William K. Waters has been a social 
studies teacher at Park View Junior High School in Cranston, RI, for 
his entire 31 year tenure with the Cranston public school system. At 
the end of this school year, Mr. Waters will retire after his many 
years of teaching.
  Mr. Waters first went to Park View as a student teacher while 
studying at Rhode Island College in 1963. The following year, he 
returned to Park View as a full-time social studies teacher. He quickly 
became immersed in this dynamic school, and soon his duties extended 
far beyond the classroom.
  Mr. Waters has worked tirelessly with students on Park View's award 
winning yearbook for over 20 years. As the ninth grade class advisor 
for 28 years, Mr. Waters' encouragement and guidance instilled 
qualities of responsibility and leadership. However, Mr. Waters' legacy 
to Park View will be most remembered as advisor to the student council, 
a position he has held for 29 years.
  Park View's student council has long been the envy of junior high 
schools throughout Rhode Island. The council's many longstanding 
traditions and services have benefited students, teachers, and the 
community. Students chosen by their peers to represent their class on 
the student council have managed school stores, a student handbook, 
all-school dances, the ninth grade dance, and fundraisers. Overseen by 
the always attentive and dedicated Mr. Waters, these were not merely 
student activities, they fostered a cooperative and active student body 
within the Park View community.
  And for the students fortunate enough to serve on the council, it 
served as a life-long lesson. Someone believed that at their age they 
could be trusted with money, to carry out responsibilities, and to 
deliver results. Leadership and commitment are not easily learned, but 
Mr. Waters not only encouraged these, he expected them.
  The student council's organizational skills and resources also 
benefited the local community. The Meeting Street Center, the Heart 
Association, the R.I. Lung Association, and Rhode Island's senior 
citizens have all come to recognize that Park View is not just another 
junior high school. At the same time, students were able to learn about 
life beyond the confines of classes, teachers, and friends.
  Of course, none of this would have been possible had someone not 
taken on the enormous responsibility of going beyond the afternoon 
school bell. Junior high school teachers [[Page E1108]] are a rate 
commodity. They face challenges in the classroom that go far beyond 
textbooks, homework, and grades, Mr. Waters is a dedicated professional 
who went beyond the call of duty and always bestowed any credit to his 
students.
  Mr. Waters has gotten to know many generations of young adults 
growing up in eastern Cranston. His guidance and devotion is 
demonstrated by the caliber of students who have graduated. Prepared 
academically when they graduated to high school, these young adults 
were also prepared to be role models and leaders for other students. 
Mr. Waters is an institution, and will always be fondly recalled by his 
students, their parents, and his colleagues.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Mr. Waters' 
service to Park View Junior High School and commend him as a teacher, 
an advisor, and a person. Mr. Waters is truly a role model for future 
teachers and students, and I would like to wish him continued success 
in retirement.


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