[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 168 (Tuesday, October 25, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF THE KNICKERBOCKER GREYS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2022

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute to The Knickerbocker Greys (``The Greys'') for their commitment 
in supporting children across New York City. Through their afterschool 
program, The Greys have instilled our nation's youth with the values of 
leadership, responsibility, and citizenship.
  The Greys are a 501(c)(3) charity and the oldest after-school program 
in the history of the United States. The organization is an institution 
within New York City, serving children ages 6 to 16. Cadets are 
afforded opportunities over the years to develop their character, 
confidence, perseverance, social skills, and problem solving in a fun 
and unique way.
  The Greys were founded in 1881 and incorporated in 1897 in the State 
of New York by Mrs. Augusta Curtis, who began the organization in 
response to a lack of after-school programming. Mrs. Curtis wanted to 
encourage activity for her son and his peers. A year into the program, 
Mrs. Curtis formed the Board of Knickerbocker Greys, composed 
originally of fourteen mothers. To this day, the Greys are run by a 
board of parents who are responsible for everything concerning the 
program outside of the weekly classes and events. The current board 
members are Adrienne C. Rogatnick (President), Oscar Ancajima (Vice 
President), Charles Giovanni Vanzan Coutinho (Secretary), John G. 
Philips (Treasurer), and Stephanie Tomlin (President Emeritus).
  Today, along with the Board, the Corps of Cadets' daily operations 
are run by Colonel David J. Menegon Commandant USAR (ret.) and Colonel 
Thomas F. Pike, Jr. USA Assistant Commandant, and the current Cadet 
Colonel. The organization is run entirely by volunteers who are 
dedicated to enriching the lives of New York school children.
  The group's name was derived from the original uniform's knee-length 
pants that were known as ``knickerbockers,'' and the color of the dress 
uniform, ``Cadet Grey.'' Over 4,500 New Yorkers have been members of 
the Knickerbocker Greys Cadet Corps over the past 141 years, including 
Nelson and David Rockefeller; Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.; Pierpont Morgan 
Hamilton; Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr.; John Lindsay; Averell Harriman; and 
Lowell Thomas.
  The Greys have shown their commitment to New York City's children 
from all backgrounds, and pride themselves on being representative of 
the city's BIPOC communities, inclusive of children with disabilities, 
and accommodating of those with financial need. Cadets today receive 
leadership training and are given leadership opportunities as squad 
leaders, company commanders, and staff officers. Cadets develop skills 
to motivate others, practice empathy and patience, supervise junior 
cadets, and command a group of peers.
  Cadets undergo a series of experiences over the years that foster 
confidence, character, etiquette and social skills, perseverance, 
enthusiasm, public speaking, and leadership. The focus of each weekly 
meeting is to instill in each child a sense of self-discipline, 
compassion, and orderliness. Members of the Greys also engage in a 
variety of activities including field trips to historical sites, color 
guards, veteran parades, and community events.
  Today, the Greys are a part of living history and still proudly drill 
at the landmarked Park Avenue Seventh Regiment Armory (``The Park 
Avenue Armory''), as they have since 1902. Boys and girls from a 
diverse list of independent, magnet, parochial, and public schools 
located in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and even Westchester County 
have been strengthened by their participation in the Grey's programming 
for decades and have emerged as young leaders throughout our nation.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The 
Knickerbocker Greys for its 141 years of service to New York City's 
most cherished, our children.

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