[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           COMMEMORATING THE RETIREMENT OF SUE GALBREATH-SLY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
career of Principal Sue Galbreath-Sly. She is set to retire at the end 
of this academic year from a long and distinguished life in the field 
of education. Currently serving in her eighth year as principal of the 
Julia Baldwin Elementary School, Mrs. Sly, as the students call her, 
started teaching in 1960. Nearly forty-two years later, Mrs. Sly has 
served as an educator in three states--Kentucky, Ohio, and California--
at both the elementary and secondary levels, in the classroom and as an 
administrator.
  Sue Galbreath-Sly began her career as a teacher in Kentucky in 1960, 
and the spirit of teaching has remained strong in her to this day. 
Visiting the principal's office at Baldwin Elementary today, one might 
wonder if it is a classroom because it is always filled with students 
seeking Mrs. Sly's guidance and friendship. She successfully presents 
herself to her students as just another teacher; however, she is 
anything but ``just another teacher.'' Rather, she is the best kind of 
teacher, seeing her educational mission as a year-round job--spending 
weekends chaperoning students to various competitions, fairs, and 
conferences and recruiting students for summer enrichment programs.
  Throughout her long career as an educator, Mrs. Sly has been 
recognized for her excellence not only by her students, but also by her 
fellow professionals. She has received numerous awards, both as a 
teacher and a principal. In fact, just last year, her school won the 
2000 California Distinguished School Award, a true testament to her 
exceptional stewardship.
  Not only does Mrs. Sly help develop and educate our youth, but she 
also works to develop her fellow educators. For example, she currently 
serves as a mentor for new principals and an advisor to the teacher 
credentialing program. She is also active in community outreach, 
expressing her philosophy eloquently: ``We must expand the four walls 
of our school site and guide children to take advantage of every 
learning opportunity.'' As a teacher at Baldwin Elementary, my wife, 
Jeanne, has benefited from Mrs. Sly's holistic approach to education. 
As a fellow long-time educator myself, I express my deep respect and 
sincere admiration for Sue Galbreath-Sly and her life's work.

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