[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING STERLING SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 15, 2015

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and 
accomplishments of Sterling Smith, an extraordinary civic leader who 
will be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the community.
  Sterling graduated from the University of Washington in 1963. From 
there, he secured a position teaching at Chinook Junior High, where he 
became chair of the English Department, and then later at Tyee High 
School. Sterling was well known as a beloved teacher with a high 
standard of excellence for his students. On top of his success as an 
educator, he was also known for his compassion, good humor, and the 
significant influence he had on the lives of his students.
  During my own time as a student at Tyee, I was fortunate to have 
Sterling as a teacher. I am grateful for the positive impact that 
Sterling had on my life and my decision to pursue a career in public 
service. Sterling continued to teach language arts at Tyee until he 
retired in June 1994.
  Sterling was an incredible educator and treasured community member 
dedicated to serving others in various capacities. He served on several 
boards that interviewed candidates running for office, including 
candidates for the Washington State Governor's office. Moreover, 
Sterling spent countless hours volunteering at the Kubota Gardens, one 
of Seattle's beautiful Japanese gardens and a cultural center for the 
region. Along with his partner, Jem, Smith was the caregiver to 37 
patients living with AIDS over a 22 year span. On numerous occasions, 
Sterling and Jem also opened their Federal Way home and gardens to 
community activities, including events for the Federal Way Symphony 
Orchestra and the South End Social Group picnic.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the life of 
Sterling Smith, an individual whose unrelenting and quiet dedication to 
his students and community serves as an example of the tremendous 
impact one person can have.

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