[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 173 (Monday, November 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF GERARD AND LILO LEEDS' COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING 
                     EDUCATION FOR AMERICA'S YOUTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2011

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to two people who have dedicated their lives to improving the 
educational outcomes for our Nation's youth. Gerard and Lilo Leeds are 
a shining example of two people who are giving something important back 
to a society that once offered them the opportunity to experience so 
much success in their own lives.
  The Leeds came to the United States in 1939 as refugees from Hitler's 
Germany. After launching a successful media corporation, Mr. and Mrs. 
Leeds founded the Institute for Student Achievement--an organization 
that partners with low-income middle schools and high schools to 
improve student achievement for at-risk youth. They also created the 
Campaign for Fiscal Equity, Inc, a coalition of concerned parents and 
education advocates seeking to reform New York State's school finance 
system. The Leeds also established the Caroline and Sigmund Schott 
Foundation--an organization that works on early childhood education and 
care, gender equity, and education financing issues.
  The Leeds continued their philanthropic efforts on behalf of 
adolescent youth by founding the Alliance for Excellent Education in 
2001 and charged it with reducing the nation's high school dropout rate 
and preparing each secondary school student to graduate ready for 
success at the college level.
  Gerard and Lilo Leeds are recipients of many civic awards, including 
Socially Responsible Entrepreneurs of the Year, the Long Island 
Association Humanitarian Award, and Outstanding Philanthropists of the 
year for the Long Island chapter of the National Society of Fund 
Raising Executives.
  The couple also has been honored by the Urban League of Long Island, 
the New York State chapter of the NAACP, the New York State United 
Teachers union, and the American Jewish Committee. They were cited by 
Newsday in its report on ``100 Who Shaped a Century,'' and were among 
the ten honorees selected by WCBS-TV for recognition in its annual 
``Fulfilling the Dream'' celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr.
  Their spirit is filled with humanitarianism, kindness, and commitment 
to serve others. As displayed by their social ventures, they are fully 
dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth achieve and exceed 
expectations. When asked where their sense of responsibility comes 
from, they said the only thing that allowed them to succeed, especially 
as immigrants fleeing Germany during World War II, was a quality 
education. As lifetime learners earning both a bachelors and masters 
degree, they believe the same academic experience they received should 
be the standard--not the exception--for every boy and girl in the 
United States.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Gerard and Lilo Leeds for their 
tremendous leadership and dedication to helping students across the 
United States receive a quality education.

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