[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 137 (Thursday, September 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO DOLORES REID BARKER

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor Ms. 
Dolores Reid Barker, a charismatic Brooklynite who carries the energy 
to inspire and motivate others.
  Ms. Dolores Reid Barker is a native of Colon, Panama but was raised 
in the Costa Rican province of La Lola by her maternal grandparents. 
Ms. Barker received her primary and secondary education in Costa Rica 
before migrating to the United States to pursue her quest and rich 
interest in attaining advanced degrees. With dedicated and focused 
attention, Ms. Barker obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree from 
Brooklyn College, a Masters Degree in Special Education from Long 
Island University, and a second Masters in Educational Administration 
and Supervision.
  Through her academic achievements, Ms. Barker developed a relentless 
focus on the student-teacher relationship as a prerequisite for 
sustained student success. It was this emphasis that drove Ms. Barker 
to assume the first of several positions in the academic environment as 
a bilingual teacher, eventually becoming staff developer/resource 
specialist and assistant principal. It is of most importance to Ms. 
Barker that she clearly communicates her vision of high achievement and 
teacher accountability in order to build a positive rapport with the 
parents of children. Ms. Barker currently holds the position of 
principal of one of New York City's elementary schools, PS 95 Queens, 
where she raised the schools' evaluation from mediocrity to high 
achievement.
  Within her community Ms. Barker is very active with her Seventh Day 
Adventist church and several organizations. The organizations Ms. 
Barker works with include the Concerned Women of Brooklyn Inc., the 
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Phi Delta 
Kappa, The Interfaith Medical Auxiliary and Assistant Coordinator of 
the New York State Geography Bee.
  She has also been the recipient of many awards for her ardent 
advocacy for teaching, learning, and leadership. The latest two were 
the Certificate of Excellence which was presented to her by the 
Community District Education Council, and Educator of the Week which 
was featured on Univision, Channel 41 New York.
  A piece of inspiration that motivates Ms. Barker is found in 
Philippians 4:13, ``I can do all things through Christ who strengthens 
me.'' Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Dolores Reid Barker 
for her contribution to the education of Brooklyn students and the 
community.

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