[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 111 (Wednesday, July 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO REMEMBER FRANK MICKENS

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 22, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember Frank Mickens, the 
celebrated former principal of Boys & Girls High School.
  Mr. Mickens took over as principal of Boys & Girls in 1984. At the 
time, it was considered one of the worst high schools in New York City. 
Cutting class was rampant, students were often robbed, and there were 
few consequences for misbehavior.
  Mr. Mickens was undeterred by the challenge. He understood that 
education meant more than just teachers and tests. He was out to change 
the culture of the school, to give his students and faculty the 
supportive learning environment they needed to excel.
  Mr. Mickens cared deeply about the well-being of every student. He 
spent his time motivating students in need of encouragement. If a 
student needed lunch, often Mr. Mickens would give him the money to buy 
it. And if a student did not own a tie, Mr. Mickens had a closet full 
of ties for him to choose, teaching him how to tie it if necessary.
  His years of tireless dedication paid off. When Mr. Mickens retired 
in 2004, Boys & Girls was known as the ``Pride and Joy of Bed-Stuy''. 
The graduation rate had improved dramatically and was now sending its 
students to some of the country's best universities.
  Frank Mickens has left behind a living legacy to his lifetime of 
achievements: The many thousands of lives he touched and a community 
reborn.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in remembering Frank 
Mickens.

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