[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO EVELYN WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 1999

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Evelyn 
Watson, an outstanding individual who has dedicated her life to public 
service and education. She was honored by parents, family, friends, and 
professionals for her outstanding contributions to the community at a 
January 29 dinner marking her retirement as Executive Director of East 
Tremont Head Start.
  Mrs. Watson was born on September 10, 1925 in Beckley, West Virginia. 
She received her certificate in Community Organization in 1972, her AAS 
from New York University in 1974 and her BSW from the same university 
in 1975.
  She started her career as a Units Clerk at the New York State 
Employment from 1955-1962. From 1967 to 1969 she worked as a Family 
Assistant with Head Start. From 1969 to 1974 she was a Lay Associate 
LCA at Messiah Lutheran Church. In 1976 she joined East Tremont Head 
Start.
  Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Watson has been a pillar of our Bronx Community for 
more than thirty years. She dedicated almost twenty five years of her 
life to the Head Start community, working at East Tremont Head Start. 
Her first position was Family Assistant. She served as Acting Director 
before ascending to Executive Director. Presently, East Tremont Head 
Start is comprised of six sites, all operating under Mrs. Watson's 
diligent and dedicated leadership.
  It is a privilege for me to represent the 16th congressional district 
of New York, where East Tremont Head Start is located. I have witnessed 
first-hand the exemplary work they are doing for our community, and I 
am deeply impressed. I am very proud of their accomplishments.
  Evelyn Watson retired on January 29 after a fruitful career in public 
service. Mrs. Watson left us with many lessons learned in community 
service, leadership in education, and wisdom. A talented leader and 
educator, Mrs. Watson will continue sharing her knowledge and views 
with her family, including three children, five grandchildren, and two 
great grandchildren, and her friends.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. 
Evelyn Watson for her outstanding achievements in education and her 
enduring commitment to the community.

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