[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ILEEN KODISH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 15, 2016

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, communities thrive when hard work, 
dedication, and sacrifice are set by voluntary example. Ileen Kodish's 
actions embody these ideals for her community and it is why she is 
being awarded the Gates of Hope Award as Shaarei Tikvah's Volunteer of 
the Year.
  Ileen grew up in Akron, Ohio, where she and her family became active 
in the Jewish community, involving themselves in B'nai B'rith Youth and 
USY. Following fashion school in Chicago, Ileen worked overseas; 
studying design in Paris and teaching at the Pratt Institute.
  Ilene became Head Nursery School teacher at Genesis Agudas Achim, 
teaching two-year-olds who are now young adults actively engaged in our 
community. In recent years, she has worked as an au pair community 
counselor and as an office manager. Within Shaarei Tikvah, Ileen served 
as School Board Co-Chair from 2008 to 2014, devoting countless hours 
and extensive organizational skills to bring about the most efficient 
operation possible. She brought the PJ Library program to Shaarei 
Tikvah while organizing and leading family workshops around the 
stories.
  Currently, Ileen lives in Yonkers and has three daughters--Danielle, 
Nola, and Hali--who are graduates of Yonkers public schools, of our 
Religious School, and carry on the family tradition by volunteering in 
the school. Ileen also completed her Associates degree at Westchester 
Community College in 2011.
  It is clear that Shaarei Tikvah has found a most deserving and 
accomplished honoree for recognition this year. Congratulations to 
Ileen on receiving the Gates of Hope Award and thank you for your years 
of contributions to the community.

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