[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 74 (Friday, June 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF MR. FREDERICK J. STOKLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 2002

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an 
outstanding individual who has demonstrated a true commitment to 
education, Mr. Frederick J. Stokley, C.E.O. and Superintendent of 
Schools in Ridgewood, NJ. Tomorrow, on June 7, 2002, the Ridgewood 
community will celebrate Mr. Stokley's 15 years of service to the 
Village of Ridgewood. Amid fireworks, plays, and tributes to Mr. 
Stokley, the community will thank him for his dedication. The results 
of his work are felt not only in the public schools of Ridgewood, but 
throughout our community. He is a wonderful example of the type of 
person who makes Bergen County such a wonderful place.
  The Ridgewood school district is considered to be one of the premiere 
suburban school districts in the New York metropolitan area, and indeed 
the entire State of New Jersey. Much of this is because of the guidance 
of Mr. Stokley as Superintendent. The experience that he brought to the 
job has continued the strong tradition of excellence in Ridgewood's 
education system. When Mr. Stokley joined Ridgewood in 1987, he had 
already served as Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts and 
Louisiana. Additionally, Mr. Stokley has taught at outstanding 
institutions such as Harvard University, Cambridge College, and Boston 
College. Ridgewood was lucky to have a man of such intelligence, 
experience, and devotion join its fine school system.
  As a former member of the Ridgewood Board of Education and former 
educator, I can tell you first hand the importance of leadership and 
serious commitment to the public school system. And I believe, as the 
residents of Ridgewood will agree, Mr. Stokley has provided those very 
qualities for our community. I applaud his dedication and his service 
in the past 15 years in our community. And I wish him all the best for 
the years ahead.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. 
Stokley on his 15 very successful years with the Ridgewood Public 
Schools and thank him for his fine example for all of us committed to 
providing a quality education for our children.

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