[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 16, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1290-E1291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO LORA LUCKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 1999

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Lora 
Lucks, an outstanding individual who has dedicated her life to public 
service and education. She will be honored on Thursday, June 17 for her 
outstanding contributions to the community during the end of the term 
party at PS 48 in my South Bronx Congressional district. She is 
retiring after 23 years as Principal of PS 48.
  Born and raised in Brooklyn and a graduate of CUNY Brooklyn, Lora 
Lucks started her teaching career at Mark Twain Junior High School. She 
also attended St. John's University and Fordham University where she 
majored in Education Administration. Thirty two years ago she joined 
P.S. 48 in the Bronx where she started her supervisory career. For the 
past 23 years she has served as Principal at P.S. 48 and played a 
prominent role as a true educational leader. She is responsible for the 
education and well being of a student body of over 1,100 children and a 
staff of over 150.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to the daily educational services she 
provides to the students, Mrs. Lucks has been the Project Director of 
the Hunts Point Cultural Arts Center for the past 16 years. This after-
school program nurtures the artistic talents of and fosters a sense of 
pride and accomplishment in students within the South Bronx Community. 
Having forged a strong alliance with businesses, organizations, and 
foundations, Lora has been able to bring much-needed resources to the 
school and the children of Hunts Point. The Y.M.C.A.'s Pathways for 
Youths Program and District 8 sponsored programs are just a few of the 
wonderful activities offered by the school after school hours. During 
the course of her principalship, Lora has made Public School 48 the 
pride of District 8 schools.
  Through her years of service she has been given many awards. In 1992 
she was honored as the District 8 Supervisor of the year and in 1993 
she was the recipient of the Reliance Award for Excellence in 
Education.
  Although not a resident of Hunts Point, she is very active in 
community affairs. Lora has become a member of the Bronx Borough 
President's Solid Waste Advisory Board and the Hunts Point Economic 
Development Corporation.
  Mrs. Lucks leaves us with many lessons learned in community service, 
leadership in education, and wisdom. A talented leader and educator, 
Mrs. Lucks will continue sharing her knowledge and views with her 
family and friends.
  Mrs. Lucks is married and has two sons, Stuart and Robert, two 
grandchildren, Arie and Megan, and a daughter-in-law, Charlotte. Her 
husband, Solomon, is a retired New York City educator and supervisor. 
He served as the chairman of the Technology Department at Bayside High 
School for 27 years.

[[Page E1291]]

  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing a happy 
retirement to Mrs. Lora Lucks and in recognizing her for her 
outstanding achievements in education and her enduring commitment to 
the community.

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