[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 134 (Tuesday, August 8, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF MS. NELLIE CROWSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 8, 2017

  Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Ms. Nellie Crowston and her tireless work on behalf of students, 
teachers, and our entire community in Torrington, Connecticut. Nellie 
passed away on July 30, 2017, at the age of 79, but her contributions 
and legacy will live on in Torrington for many years to come.
  Many in Torrington know Nellie for her decades of work as a public 
school teacher. She represented the best of what it means to be an 
educator. Nellie's students remember her for her caring and encouraging 
nature. Nellie also possessed an astounding memory and regularly 
recognized her students around town years after they had left her 
classroom. Even after retiring, Nellie loved to return to the classroom 
as a substitute teacher and work with children. She was an inspiration 
to both her students and her fellow teachers.
  Outside of her teaching career, Nellie was an active member of our 
community and contributed to a number of causes close to her heart. Her 
work was crucial in saving and expanding the Torrington Alpha Delta 
Kappa chapter, a society for women educators. She boosted the group's 
membership and organized fundraisers and events that expanded its 
presence in our city. Her work allowed Alpha Delta Kappa to provide 
grants to local teachers and scholarships to high school students.
  Nellie was also engaged in local and state politics and served on the 
Torrington Democratic Town Committee. She was instrumental in 
recruiting local candidates to run for office, organizing the Picnic 
Committee, and supporting voter outreach. What's more, Nellie possessed 
an extensive knowledge of the issues facing Connecticut and her local 
community. Her enthusiasm for service inspired many of her fellow 
educators to become politically engaged and work to improve 
Connecticut's schools. Nellie's dedication to service should be a model 
for public servants everywhere.
  Mr. Speaker, Nellie Crowston was a dedicated teacher and community 
leader who inspired countless students and made Torrington a better 
place to live. It is fitting and proper that we honor her legacy here 
today. All those who knew her will cherish her memory.

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