[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 169 (Friday, December 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2222-E2223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF INGRID S. MASON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 6, 2001

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Ingrid S. Mason in 
recognition of her career as an educator and children's advocate.
  Ingrid S. Mason's roots became solidly grounded by the legacy 
bestowed upon her by her maternal grandmother, Alice Crawford. Born in 
Costa Rica, Ingrid spent her formative years under the nurturing love 
and guidance of her ``Tia'' and grandmother. Her roots continued to be 
firmly set, when at the age of five she migrated to the United States 
to reunite with her mother Irene. It is from her grandmother, mother 
and aunts that Ingrid gained her most valuable gifts in life a legacy 
of faith, independence, determination, and commitment to excellence, a 
strong work ethic and a positive spirit. This legacy has provided her 
with the wings to soar.
  As a youngster and young adult Ingrid excelled academically, earning 
a myriad of honors, citations, awards and scholarships. She graduated 
from New York University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.
  Ingrid's love of children naturally guided her to a profession in 
education. For the past sixteen years she has been a staunch advocate 
for children and committed educator, working in Community School 
District 19 in Brooklyn's East New York neighborhood. She has served 
the parents and children as a teacher, assistant principal and 
principal. She is currently the assistant principal of P.S. 346 in 
Starrett City. She has earned a Master of Science in Bilingual 
Education and an Advanced Certificate in Education Administration, both 
from Brooklyn College. She is a member of many professional 
organizations including the Council of Supervisors and Administrators, 
the Association of Assistant Principals and the Association for School 
Curriculum and Development.
  Ingrid's philosophy on education and working with children stems from 
her belief that all children possess inner greatness waiting to be 
awakened. She sees this not only as a challenge, but as a duty. Each 
day she strives to awaken that greatness by passing on to them the 
legacy given to her.

[[Page E2223]]

  Ingrid is provided with ``wings'' each day by the love, support and 
encouragement of her family, daughter, Jahira, sister, Rose, and nephew 
and niece, Travis and Alice, her greatest fans.
  Mr. Speaker, Ingrid S. Mason has dedicated her career to education 
and children's advocacy, As such, she is more than worthy of receiving 
this recognition, and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this 
truly remarkable woman.

                          ____________________