[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 48 (Thursday, March 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO BETTY J. GIBBS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Betty J. 
Gibbs, a nurturing presence who has been working with the children of 
Brooklyn for 40 years.
  Ms. Betty J. Gibbs, lovingly known to her students as Ms. G and 
``Granny'' to her ``grandbabies,'' has been an influential figure in 
the lives of so many people. Ms. Gibbs began her work with students in 
January of 1968 as a paraprofessional with the NYC Board of Education. 
She held this position until 1998. She provided general supervision and 
instruction to small groups of children from grades one through six in 
math and reading.
  In June of 1979, Ms. Gibbs became Site Supervisor for St. 
Christopher's Group Home. There, Ms. Gibbs was responsible for 
overseeing the home and the care of the girls that comprised the home, 
ensuring all the necessities and personal needs are met. She remained a 
positive inspiration in their lives until August of 1988.
  Ms. Betty Gibbs obtained a position as the After School Program 
Director for Junior High School 275. There, she managed all aspects of 
the program. She held that position from March 1987, until June of 
1988.
  Throughout this time, Ms. Gibbs managed to go to school for herself 
obtaining an A.A.S, from New York Community College in 1973 and a B.A. 
of Education from Medgar Evers College in 1988.
  In 1981, Ms. Gibbs became the Site Supervisor for the Jackie Robinson 
Center for Physical Culture. For the following 12 years she directed 
the ten components that comprised the program, as well as developed a 
multitude of events to help unify the community surrounding the center.
  In June of 2003, Ms. Gibbs began working with the Soul Tigers 
Marching Band, Inc., as Assistant Band Director. There, she is like a 
second mother to the children. All the students love her and appreciate 
her nurturing presence in their lives.
  She has won a number of awards in her life including: Unsung Hero 
(1996), Diamond Award (1993), and awards from The Joint Board of Ushers 
(1983), the United Community Baptist Church (1982) and Junior Glee 
Choir St. Marks Church (1976).