[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO AILEEN ROSA-ARROYO

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Aileen Rosa-Arroyo who has 
dedicated her career to educating our children from toddler to 
adulthood.
  Aileen was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 9, 1962 and is the 
daughter of Judith Valentin and Gilberto Rosa. She is happily married 
to Miguel Angel Arroyo, Jr. of Long Beach, N.Y. and is the proud mother 
of three beautiful children, Alexandra, 14, Isabella Angelica 3 and 
Christopher Michael who is 10 months old. They reside with their 
children in Island Park, New York and are surrounded by loving and 
doting grandparents, Miguel and Lily Arroyo.
  Early in her education, Aileen distinguished herself as an excellent 
student. Graduating from the elite Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica 
Estates, New York, she majored in English, Spanish and Music. She was 
then awarded a four-year scholarship for academic excellence to St. 
John's University, where she studied Communication Arts & Sciences, and 
did an internship at a television station in production and sales. Her 
graduate work is in Early Childhood & Elementary Education, completing 
a Master's Degree in Education and post-graduate work in Bilingual 
Education and English as a Second Language from Long Island University. 
Understanding the need for role models in a position of leadership in 
the educational field and in her community, she then went on to do her 
second Master's Degree in Supervision and Administration at The College 
of New Rochelle.
  Aileen is the Director of Education & Administration of one of the 
largest child-care facilities in the City of New York, The Grand St. 
Settlement Child & Family Center located in the Bushwick section of 
Brooklyn. The facility services toddlers, pre-school and school-age 
children and has Head Start and Universal Pre-K Programs. She is an 
accomplished educator, holding NYS Permanent Licenses and Permanent 
Certifications in Supervision & Administration, Early Childhood & 
Elementary Education, Bilingual Education and Teachers of English to 
Speakers of Other Languages. Her experience spans from pre-k to 
college, having worked as a teacher in the NYC and Long Island public 
schools for over 15 years and as a professor at both Touro and Boricua 
Colleges.
  Aileen has always been an active leader in our community. She has 
been honored three times with the Caritas Citation for Community 
Service and The American Legion Award for Community Service. She has 
received numerous decorations from the New York City Police Department 
for Dedicated Service, and the New York State Senate has presented her 
two citations for Community Service and Outstanding Leadership. The 
University of The State of New York has bestowed upon her Recognition 
for Professional Achievement. She is a member of the American 
Federation of School Administrators, the Council of Administrators & 
Supervisors, the New York State Association for Bilingual Educators, 
and Phi Delta Kappa Education Fraternity. Aileen has organized and 
implemented educational and training programs for children, teens and 
parents, and staff development for colleagues. She has spent her life 
giving to others. Her role as an outstanding educator and community 
leader impacts the lives of many in a positive fashion.
  Mr. Speaker, Aileen Rosa-Arroyo has been a leader in her community by 
ensuring that every member of her community has the opportunity to be 
educated and succeed. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our 
recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this 
truly remarkable person.

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