[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E506]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO SALEMA DAWSON-MARBURY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 16, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of 
Salema Dawson-Marbury.
  Salema grew up in the Hollis neighborhood of Queens, New York. She 
attended Jamaica High School and went on to attain several educational 
degrees: a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics, from 
Stony Brook University; a Master of Science degree in Secondary School 
Math Education, from Lehman College; and a Master of Arts degree in 
Educational Administration, from City College. Salema is married to 
Done E. Marbury, Jr.; has two step-sons, Duwan A. Marbury and Done E. 
Marbury, III; and a step-grandson, O'mari M. Marbury.
  Salema is the Principal of the P.S. 329 in Coney Island, Brooklyn. 
She began her educational career in 1988, as an intermediate school 
teacher at two schools: I.S. 1116, in the South Bronx; and the Mark 
Twain Intermediate School for the Gifted and Talented, in Coney Island, 
Brooklyn. Although her first passion is teaching math, she became known 
for developing programs to improve student self-esteem, academic 
prowess and leadership.
  Early in her career, Salema realized that most children dream of 
becoming rich and famous in the same manner as their favorite sports, 
television and movie stars. She knew this dream would not be a reality 
for most students. Salema felt that what children really desired was 
acknowledgement for their accomplishments and the opportunity to 
achieve economic power in the process. She became determined to provide 
students with the direction they needed to achieve recognition and 
economic success. Salema began her tenure at P.S. 329 in 1995, as a 
teacher in charge of attendance improvement. She was later appointed to 
Assistant Principal in 1998 and, in 2008, she became the Principal. She 
is heavily involved in the school community. She established several of 
the schools seminal programs, including the school's Young 
Entrepreneurship Program and the school's Performing Arts Program. She 
also writes, co-produces and co-directs the school's annual drama and 
dance productions.
  Salema believes that all children possess a unique talent. She 
encourages her students to, ``never surrender their dreams,'' and 
strives to ensure they acquire the needed confidence for achieving 
their maximum potential. Salema is proud of her and her staff's work. 
Today, P.S. 139 is commonly referred to as, ``Coney Islands Best Kept 
Secret.''
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Salema 
Dawson-Marbury.

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