[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E394-E395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF BRENDA E. PERRY-FELDER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Brenda E. Perry-Felder in 
recognition of her dedication and commitment to her family, her 
community and her church.
  Brenda E. Perry was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1940. Brenda 
attended Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, and then went on to 
become one of the first African-Americans to attend Bishop McDonald's 
Catholic High School. She has spent her life caring for others. After 
graduating from high school, Brenda attended Kings County Hospital 
Nursing School. As a registered nurse, she held several positions at a 
number of different hospitals, including St. Mary's and Greenpoint 
Hospital.
  Brenda has been married to her husband, Cleon, for almost 25 years. 
Together they have three children, Derick, Ronda, and Kimberly as well 
as one adopted daughter, Brenda, and a stepson, Cleon Jr. She is also 
the grandmother of 13 and great grandmother of two. While raising her 
children, Brenda decided to go back to school to become a teacher. She 
was a member of the first class of Medgar Evers College earning a 
Bachelor of Science degree in education. She also attended Barber-
Scotia College. She went on to receive a Master's in Education from 
Brooklyn College followed by a Master's in Supervision/Administration 
from City College and a Principal Leadership Certification from Howard 
University.
  Brenda was an outstanding dedicated teacher, principal and advocate 
for children. She worked as a teacher in the Catholic school system at 
Our Lady of Victory and New Bed-Stuy Catholic Schools. She went on to 
work for the New York City Board of Education in District 23 where she 
remained for over 25 years. One of her greatest career accomplishments 
occurred early this year. After a great deal of hard work, just as she 
was retiring as its school principal, Brenda was able to have PS 73 
removed from the SURR list.
  Brenda has received countless honors for her hard work and 
dedication. In 1986, 1992, and 1995, she received the ``Outstanding 
Leadership Award from District 23''; in 1991, she received the ``Key 
Women of America Education Award''; in 1993, 1998, and 1999 she was 
given the Rachel Jean Mitchell Award for her Outstanding Service to 
Students in District 23; in 1994, she was honored with the Malcom X-
Betty Shabazz Award for Outstanding Service to Children; in 1997, she 
also received the Barbara Scotia College Alumni Award for Outstanding 
Service to Children; and in 1999, the New York City School system 
acknowledged her career achievements with the Chancellor's Leadership 
Award as Principal of the Year.
  Brenda E. Perry-Felder has committed herself as a parent, student, 
and teacher to hard work and outstanding accomplishments. Her

[[Page E395]]

motto is, ``If I can help somebody along the way then my living will 
not have been in vain.'' Mr. Speaker, Brenda E. Perry-Felder has helped 
many and her life is not in vain. As such, she is more than worthy of 
receiving this recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
honoring this truly remarkable woman.

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