[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E757]]


      HONORING LEON J. SYLVESTER ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2005

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join family, friends, community leaders, and colleagues in extending 
my sincere thanks and appreciation to Leon J. Sylvester as he 
celebrates his retirement after 43 years of dedicated service as an 
educator and administrator in the Shelton Public School System.
  I have often spoken of our Nation's need for talented, creative 
educators ready to help our children learn and grow. Leon Sylvester has 
been just that kind of educator and administrator. In a career that has 
spanned five decades, Mr. Sylvester has involved himself in the 
education of young people at nearly every level. The Shelton 
community--especially its young people--has benefited from his 
unparalleled service.
  Beginning his career as an elementary school teacher, Mr. Sylvester 
also served as a Social Studies teacher and Guidance Counselor before 
becoming the Director of Career, Vocational and Educational Training. 
In each of these positions, he helped to prepare young people for their 
futures by providing them with the fundamental tools they would need to 
succeed. He spent the first three decades of his career developing a 
distinguished reputation as an innovative educator and progressive 
administrator, which resulted in his elevation to Superintendent of 
Schools.
  In his 14 years as Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Sylvester's 
leadership has led to significant improvements in both the physical 
school buildings as well as the programs offered by the school system. 
He founded the Student Mentoring Program and participates as a mentor, 
instituted the Alternative Education Program, and began an early 
reading intervention program for at risk students in the primary 
grades. During his tenure he also established the long range school 
facilities and capital improvement plan, oversaw the addition of media 
centers in Shelton's elementary schools, as well as the construction of 
a new intermediate school. His many contributions have created an 
enriched learning environment for all of Shelton's children--a legacy 
that will continue to make a difference in the lives of students for 
years to come.
  In addition to his years of service to the Shelton Public School 
system, Mr. Sylvester has also been deeply involved in the community. 
He has held a seat on the City's Planning and Zoning Commission for 
nearly 20 years, serving as Chair for 6 years. He has had an integral 
role as a corporator for such organizations as the Hewitt Management 
Corporation, the Birmingham Group, Griffin Hospital, and the Shelton 
Boys & Girls Club--all organizations that have had a positive impact on 
the community. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the 
Valley Instructional Network for Education, as the Education Chair for 
the Valley United Way, and has been involved with the Valley Substance 
Abuse Action Council. Through all of these efforts, Mr. Sylvester has 
demonstrated a unique and consummate dedication to public service. I 
have no doubt that he will continue in these efforts even after his 
retirement.
  Educator, administrator, advocate, and community leader, Leon 
Sylvester has dedicated a lifetime of commitment to the City of Shelton 
and its residents. He has left an indelible mark--a model of all that a 
community member should be and an example to which we should all 
aspire. I am proud to rise today to join his wife, Barbara, children, 
grandchildren, family, friends, and colleagues in congratulating Leon 
J. Sylvester as he celebrates his retirement. My very best wishes for 
many more years of health and happiness.

                          ____________________