[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING AND HONORING PRINCIPAL MARC PASCENTE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 23, 2026

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor 
Principal Marc Pascente for his extraordinary commitment to public 
education and his unwavering dedication to the students, families, and 
communities of New York's 7th Congressional District and across New 
York City.
  For more than two decades, Principal Pascente has devoted his career 
to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education 
and the support necessary to succeed. He began his service with New 
York City Public Schools in 2001 as a New Language teacher through the 
Teaching Fellows program at Theodore Roosevelt High School in the 
Bronx. From the very beginning, he distinguished himself as an educator 
committed to equity, inclusion, and empowering students from diverse 
backgrounds.
  In 2006, he assumed the role of Assistant Principal at Belmont 
Preparatory High School, where he continued to foster a student-
centered environment grounded in growth, opportunity, and academic 
excellence. His leadership and vision would later reach new heights 
when he became Principal of Grover Cleveland High School in Ridgewood, 
Queens at the start of the 2018-2019 school year.
  Throughout his tenure at Grover Cleveland High School, Principal 
Pascente placed the needs of students at the forefront of every 
decision. His transformative leadership revitalized key school 
facilities, including the auditorium, library, and cafeteria, creating 
welcoming spaces where students could learn, grow, and thrive. His 
advocacy on behalf of young people, particularly those from underserved 
and vulnerable communities, has opened doors and expanded opportunities 
for countless students.
  As the facilitator of the My Brother's Keeper program, Principal 
Pascente inspired young men to pursue academic excellence, leadership, 
and personal integrity. He also broadened students' horizons by 
championing educational field trips to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, 
and Boston, providing opportunities to engage with history, culture, 
and higher education firsthand.
  Under Principal Pascente's leadership, Grover Cleveland High School 
became a model of innovation and inclusion. The school piloted the 
Civic Seal program, expanded participation in the New York State Seal 
of Biliteracy to include speakers of Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, and 
Polish, and welcomed both a bilingual GED program and a District 75 
program. These initiatives strengthened the school's reputation as a 
place where all learners are valued, supported, and empowered to 
succeed.
  Beyond the programs and accomplishments, Principal Pascente's 
greatest legacy is the culture of belonging he cultivated. He has 
consistently amplified student voices, nurtured talent, and 
demonstrated compassion, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the 
potential of every young person who walked through the school's doors.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Principal Marc Pascente 
for his distinguished public service career. His legacy will continue 
to shape the lives of students and strengthen our communities for years 
to come.

                          ____________________