[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 73 (Tuesday, June 9, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN BELFORTE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 1998

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor John Belforte, upon his 
retirement as an extraordinary educator for forty-three years.
  John Belforte served for three years during the Korean War before 
choosing to pursue a career in education. He earned his Bachelor of 
Arts and Master of Arts degrees from San Francisco State University and 
embarked upon a life dedicated to education. He was an elementary 
school teacher for five years, and an elementary, intermediate and 
middle school administrator for a combined thirty-eight years.
  Under John Belforte's guidance, numerous projects were undertaken and 
accomplished at Bowditch Middle School, including a TV/Radio Broadcast 
Studio, three computer labs, a planetarium, tennis courts, technology 
work stations in each classroom, an enlarged intra-mural sports 
program, a conflict resolution program, student selected scheduling and 
programing, and the highly successful Bowditch Means Business, an 
innovative business and school partnership.
  During his tenure as Principal of Bowditch Middle School and as a 
result of John Belforte's efforts, the school was designated by the 
U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School and a California 
State Department of Education Recognized School of Excellence.
  John Belforte served as President of the Jefferson Elementary School 
District Teachers Association, president of the San Mateo County 
Teachers Association, Regional President of the Association of 
California School Administrators, a member of Phi Delta Kappa and the 
College of Notre Dame Faculty Advisory Committee.
  John Belforte has given generously of his time and talents to our 
community, serving as a Commissioner on the San Mateo County Juvenile 
Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission, and as a Board Member of 
the Human Investment Project and Beresford-Hillsdale Homeowners 
Association. He's been recognized by the Foster City Rotary and 
Toastmasters International for his outstanding achievements and 
contributions, and San Francisco State University for his distinguished 
service as a member of the Advisory Committee to the Department of 
Education. His extensive involvement was recognized by the City of 
Foster City which issued a Proclamation naming May 31, 1990 as John 
Belforte Day.
  Throughout his distinguished career, John Belforte has earned the 
respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers for his dedication 
and his effectiveness in improving our educational system. He has 
touched the lives of countless students and served as an inspiration to 
many. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating John Belforte on 
his retirement, thanking him for his tireless efforts and dedication, 
and wishing him all the best in the years ahead.

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