[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E150-E151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MARY E. BRYANT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2011

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to herald the achievements 
of Mary E. Bryant and to acknowledge our pride in her valuable 
contributions to the Tampa Bay community, Hillsborough County Public 
Schools, and the students she loved.
  Mary Bryant was a Tampa native who grew up in the Jim Crow era, when 
it was toughest for African-Americans to receive equal rights. She 
attended Middleton High School and graduated in 1951. Although neither 
of her parents completed high school, they worked hard to ensure that 
their daughter would accomplish what they could not. Her father worked 
as a truck driver, while her mom worked as a maid and presser at a 
local dry cleaning business.
  After graduating from Middleton, Mary went on to earn a bachelor's 
degree in elementary education from Bethune-Cookman College in 1955. 
She then completed a master's degree from Florida A&M University and a 
doctorate from University of South Florida. She was a lifelong 
educator, working hard to inspire children for more than 40 years. 
After working in Okeechobee for several years, she began her career in 
Hillsborough County as a teacher and learning specialist at Henderson 
Elementary in 1968. In 1971, she became the principal of Phillip Shore 
Elementary and then at Roland Park in 1974.

[[Page E151]]

  During her long tenure as an educator in Hillsborough County, Mrs. 
Bryant truly made it her responsibility to care for the children in her 
classroom. She was known for giving blankets to families that could not 
afford them and food to children that came to school on an empty 
stomach. She would even keep soap and deodorant in her office for the 
students who could not bathe because the water was turned off at their 
home. She would not let any obstacle stand in the way of educating 
children. She also served as a dedicated mentor to many teachers under 
her guidance. Mary Bryant was the educator and leader that we all want 
in the classrooms teaching our children.
  Though she was very humble, Mary Bryant received numerous awards, 
honors and leadership positions as an educator. In 1986, Mrs. Bryant 
became the first African-American woman to be appointed an area 
director for Hillsborough's Area II schools. In 1992, she became the 
first African-American woman to serve as the assistant superintendent 
for support services. Also, in 1993, she received the Ida S. Baker 
minority educator award. Hillsborough County named Bryant Elementary 
School in her honor.
  Even after she retired in 1997, Mary continued to show her love, 
support and passion for Hillsborough County schools. She volunteered at 
school events, attended school board meetings, and served as a liaison 
for new principals. It is clear that her hard work and efforts have 
influenced countless children and teachers in Hillsborough County. It 
is for this reason that we would like to honor and recognize the 
remarkable career and life of Mary Bryant.
  I stand with the Tampa Bay community and Hillsborough County Schools 
as we mourn the loss of a dear friend and colleague. We are proud to 
recognize Mary Bryant for her outstanding career and her many 
significant contributions to the Hillsborough County School System. Her 
determination and hard work have made her an inspirational leader 
within our community.

                          ____________________