[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1174-E1175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO KARL WALKES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 2005

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Karl Walkes for his 
contributions to the public school system and noble service in the 
community.
  Karl Walkes was born in Brooklyn, New York. He is the fourth of Fitz 
and Eileen's seven children. He grew up in the Brownsville section of 
Brooklyn and attended the New York City public schools. After 
graduating from the Brooklyn High School of Automotive Trades, Mr. 
Walkes was introduced to Zeke Clement, a charismatic community leader 
and legendary basketball coach. Through the effort of Mr. Clement, he 
was awarded an athletic scholarship to Virginia Union University in 
Richmond, Virginia where he pursued a teaching career in elementary 
education.
  At Virginia Union University, Mr. Walkes was greatly impressed with 
the accessibility of the University President, Rev. Dr. Samuel D. 
Proctor. He watched Dr. Proctor assist students in resolving difficult 
problems. Most notably, conversations with Dr. Proctor and Mr. Clement 
inspired him to devote his adult life to helping community youth to 
embrace their intellect, in order to obtain the unlimited resources 
that are available to them.
  After receiving a Bachelors Degree and completing a tour of duty in 
the United States Army, Mr. Walkes began a teaching career in Brooklyn 
at the historic Weeksville Elementary School (P.S. 243). He continued 
his education by completing the Master's Degree course of study 
programs in Elementary Education at Brooklyn College and the 
Administration Supervision program at The City College of New York. He 
worked at the historic Weeksville Elementary School for more than 32 
years, serving as teacher, Dean and Assistant Principal. He has often 
remarked, ``I knew retirement was near when the offspring of past 
students began registering for kindergarten and completing the sixth 
grade.''
  After retirement from the Board of Education in 1995, Mr. Walkes 
joined the community-based Jackie Robinson Center, JRC, after-school 
program full-time under the leadership of Mr. Zeke Clement. The Jackie 
Robinson Center, JRC, for Physical Culture, which focuses on the 
improvement of student academic skills, sought to encourage 
participation in academic, sports and cultural activities. At the JRC, 
Mr. Walkes functioned as the program's sports and cultural director.
  His memberships and affiliation over the years include: Brooklyn USA 
Athletic Association Inc., Council of School Supervisors and 
Administrators, CSA, Retired School Supervisors and Administrators, 
RSSA, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Committee to Honor, NAACP, Tournament 
of Champions, Trustee of Community School Board District No. 16 and the 
St. John's Flashes.
  He has received awards from: Community School District No. 16 
``Teacher of the Year''; Boy Scouts of America; Jackie Robinson Center 
for Physical Culture; Brooklyn USA Athletic Association Inc; National 
Old Timers Clubs Inc.; and Parents of the Weeksville School.
  Mr. Walkes is married to Verniece Shiver Walkes. They have one son, 
Kevin, and presently reside in East Flatbush. He is grateful for Rev. 
Dr. Samuel D. Proctor and Mr. Zeke Clement who taught him through 
example that we must work diligently with our youth, for they are the 
most valuable resource that we have. Mr. Speaker, we in turn 
acknowledge his commitment and contributions today.

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