[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF DR. HELEN S. FAISON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2004

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Dr. Helen S. Faison, for her significant and groundbreaking 
professional accomplishments in the field of education, and for serving 
as a mentor, role model and inspiration for countless women and men in 
the City of Pittsburgh, PA, and far beyond.
  Dr. Faison's unwavering integrity, strong work ethic, trailblazing 
spirit and energetic quest for knowledge led her to become one of the 
first African-American teachers in the Pittsburgh School District. 
After many decades of inspirational instruction, Dr. Faison became the 
first female, and the first African-American to be named high school 
principal within the City of Pittsburgh.
  Dr. Faison was later appointed as deputy superintendent of the 
Pittsburgh School District. This was the highest administrative 
position ever held by a woman in the district. Presently, Dr. Faison is 
the Director of the Pittsburgh Teachers Institute, and Education 
Department Chair and distinguished visiting professor at Chatham 
College. Beyond her monumental scholastic and professional 
contributions, awards and accolades, Dr. Faison has served as a beacon 
of inspiration, hope and living testament to countless students and 
colleagues--teaching by example that dreams can become reality.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Dr. Helen Faison, as she has been honored on February 5, 2004, by 
the 14th Annual Strong Men & Women: Excellence in Leadership series, 
sponsored by Dominion East Ohio. Dr. Faison's groundbreaking 
professional excellence and accomplishment as an outstanding teacher 
and educational leader has inspired, guided and enhanced the minds and 
hearts of countless young students through the years. Her continued 
commitment to education serves as a beacon of hope and light for people 
of all races so they may visualize and realize their dreams, and her 
journey continues to inspire us all.

                          ____________________