[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                A TRIBUTE IN REMEMBRANCE OF THEORA KING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Theora King, 
a community leader and educator who has contributed enormously to the 
lives of many children in need.
  Theora King has worked in the field of education for over forty 
years. She has a bachelor of science degree in education from Mercy 
College where she graduated magna cum laude. In 1990, Ms. King received 
the Educator of the Year Award from a parent organization in District 
17. Ms. King has worked in several programs including Big Apple, Head 
Start, Learning Through Science, Title I, Latch Key, Summer Early 
Childhood Program, and Platform For Learning and Special Education.
  Theora King often goes above and beyond what is required of her in 
order to keep children who are in need from being deprived of 
opportunities that are afforded to other children who have supportive 
families. Her love for children is demonstrated by using personal 
monies to pay for trips, breakfast, lunch, clothing and other 
essentials needed when a child's parents are unable to provide for 
them. Ms. King has volunteered her personal time to tutor children in 
reading to help them gain self-confidence, a love for reading, and 
reading proficiency to pass State Reading Examinations.
  During her career, children have demonstrated love and respect toward 
Ms. King and children often come to her for advice and assistance to 
handle difficulties they encounter at home and in school. Ms. King is 
never too busy to take time from her personal life to help a child and 
his or her family who may be in need of assistance. Ms. King is also a 
member of the Open Door Church of God and Christ and she has served on 
the Usher Board. In the past, Ms. King served as Acting Parent 
Teacher's Association president and secretary when her children were 
students at P.S. 316. Ms. King has also chaired the Social Committee at 
P.S. 316 from 1968 to 2005.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Theora 
King.

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