[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 103 (Wednesday, June 19, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E796-E797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING CLYDE AND GWEN WASHINGTON FOR RECEIVING THE 2019 DUMFRIES 
                      MAYOR'S LIVING LEGEND AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2019

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of 
the 2019 Dumfries Mayor's Living Legend Award. This award is presented 
to those who have had a profound impact on the Dumfries community 
through public service, civic engagement, and mentorship. The Town of 
Dumfries honors the recipients of this award at the Dumfries Mayor's 
Ball for their extraordinary contributions to our community. It is my 
honor to include in the Record the following individuals:
  Clyde Washington: Clyde is a graduate of Norfolk State University, 
with a degree in Education. He also has a Master of Education degree 
from Virginia State University. Clyde has used his passion for 
education and put it back into the community, serving as an educator 
for 31 years in Prince William County. During his tenure, he was a 
coach and mentor for many young men. Clyde was also an active member of 
the Prince William County Education Association, both the Virginia and 
National Education Association, and he was the Prince William County 
Representative on the Virginia Education Board of Directors. He also 
served as a Prince William County delegate to numerous State and 
National Conventions. In recognition of his dedication and civic 
engagement, he received several honors including a certificate of 
outstanding achievement from former Neabsco District Supervisor, John 
Jenkins. While Clyde was teaching, coaching, mentoring, and being an 
active civic leader, he also held a seat on the Town of Dumfries 
Council. In 1980, he ran for the Dumfries Town Council and was elected. 
He went on to serve the town of Dumfries as a Councilman for twenty-
eight years; several of those years serving as the Vice Mayor. He 
always strived to work cooperatively with each citizen and with other 
town officials. He is and has always been committed to the citizens and 
promised them dedicated service, and representation with integrity; 
promises that he fulfilled. Clyde is the husband of Gwen Porter 
Washington, who is also being honored tonight. He is also a dedicated 
member and Deacon at the Little Union Baptist Church, a member of the 
NAACP, and a Lifetime Member of the Virginia Education and the National 
Education Association.
  Gwen Washington: Gwen was educated in the segregated Prince William 
County school system. She graduated from Jennie Dean High School in 
Manassas, Virginia. Gwen is a graduate of Virginia State University, 
with a degree in Education. She also has a Master of Education degree 
from George Mason University. Gwen is a third-generation educator which 
fueled her passion to teach. She invested her passion for education 
back into the community, serving as an educator for 33 years. Gwen's 
33-year teaching career allowed her to have many rewarding experiences. 
She had a very successful coaching career, winning numerous 
championships in gymnastics, track & field, and volleyball; she served 
as department chair for seventeen years; she served as a workshop 
presenter at numerous county and state teacher workshops, and she also 
participated in teacher-mentoring where she was able to share effective 
motivational and behavior modification skills with other teachers. 
While working part time at Dumfries Elementary School, in November 
2015, Gwen was appointed to serve on the Dumfries Town Council. This 
allowed her to serve out the term of a council member who was moving to 
the Mayors position. She was highly honored to be asked to serve in 
this leadership role. At the end of her designated appointment, she 
went on to be elected to two more terms before retiring. Gwen is the 
wife of Clyde Washington who is also being honored tonight. She is also 
a dedicated member of Little Union Baptist Church in Dumfries where she 
is on numerous chairs and ministries. She is past president and current 
vice-president of the Deaconess Board, president of the Drama Ministry, 
and a member of two choirs. She is also a member of the

[[Page E797]]

Retired Virginia and National Education Associations, the NAACP, and a 
very active member of Women in Community Action.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these two 
incredible individuals and congratulating them on their awards. The 
contributions and leadership of these two honorees have greatly 
benefitted our community and truly merit our highest praise. They have 
made the Town of Dumfries and the entire county extremely proud and I 
commend them each for their service and dedication.

                          ____________________