[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 153 (Wednesday, November 3, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S13837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING KAREN LEACH

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to honor an outstanding 
individual who has dedicated her life to the education of our young 
people. Karen Leach of Johnston, Rhode Island, is retiring from the 
Providence School Department after nearly thirty years of dedicated 
service.
  Since Karen graduated from Rhode Island College in 1969 with a 
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Special Education, she has received 
Masters of Education Degrees in both Elementary Education and in 
Administration for Elementary and Middle Schools. She has also 
furthered her professional development by achieving certification in 
many areas.
  The capital of Rhode Island, Providence is at the heart of our 
state's urban center and during her career, Karen has been assigned to 
several schools in the District. Karen began her long and accomplished 
career as a teacher and dedicated her efforts toward Special Education. 
During her tenure, the field of education has seen tremendous change--
from curriculum, to technology, to teaching methods and to 
administrative practices. Throughout nearly three decades of service, 
Karen has brought efficiency, expertise and professionalism to her many 
challenging assignments.
  In 1988, Karen was named Supervisor of Elementary/Pre-School 
Education for the Providence School Department and in 1992, she became 
Principal of the Sackett Street Elementary School and the Reservoir 
Avenue Elementary School. Since the 1992-1993 school year, she has been 
Principal of the Sackett Street Elementary School and she is retiring 
from her present administration position as Interim Acting 
Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.
  Karen Leach is a person of great integrity, compassion and 
initiative. She is accomplished and well respected for her many 
contributions to the Providence School System. She has made a positive 
impact on the quality of education, and in the lives of students, 
especially those with special needs. Most recently, Karen's leadership 
as a Principal and as an Administrator has left a lasting mark on the 
City of Providence.
  So many young people have had their lives enriched by one person's 
efforts. Karen Leach's commitment and her tangible accomplishments 
clearly demonstrate that an investment in education is indeed an 
investment in the future.
  Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Karen 
Leach for her commitment to educational excellence and for her efforts 
to improve the overall quality of our education system. Indeed, she has 
made a tremendous difference in the lives of her students. As Karen 
Leach leaves the Providence School Department, she plans to continue as 
a professional educational consultant. I wish her well and remain 
confident that we will hear more news of this outstanding educator's 
good works.

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