[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6702]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM L. ROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 19, 2007

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, with great appreciation and delight I 
rise today to honor a respected and dedicated legislator, educator and 
community member who for more than 50 years continues to serve his 
hometown of Wheatfield, New York.
  Niagara County Legislator William L. Ross has led a life deeply 
connected and committed to Niagara; the place where he was born and 
raised, where he became an educator and a mentor, and where he is now a 
respected and effective leader.
  Through his distinguished professional career, his athletic talent 
and his spirit to make his community a better place, Bill Ross has left 
a lasting mark since graduating from the Niagara Falls School System. 
After graduation, Mr. Ross took a football scholarship to Michigan 
State University where he went on to win a National Championship in 
1952 and play in the esteemed Rose Bowl game in 1954.
  After serving as an R.O.T.C. Officer after college, Bill would take 
his football prowess, military discipline and love of education back to 
Niagara County. In 1956, Bill began a career in education that would 
span 47 years and shape a countless number of young lives in 
Wheatfield. Bill became the first football coach at Niagara Wheatfield 
in 1958, and in 1977 became the Director of Physical Education, 
athletics and recreation of the Niagara Wheatfield School District. 
Both in the classroom and on the field, Bill was devoted to teaching 
and improving the youth of Niagara County, believing in the importance 
of a well-rounded education and the duty of schools to not only help 
produce good students, but good citizens.
  That sense of dedication and service culminated when Bill Ross was 
elected to represent his Town of Wheatfield in the Niagara County 
Legislature. Twice elected Chairman, first in 1989 and again in 2004, 
Bill, through it all, has been an insightful and vital leader for 
Niagara County. In times of tremendous challenges for his town and his 
region, Bill has been strong and steady, making his home a better 
place. To this day, Bill serves his constituents and his neighbors with 
skill and tremendous care, earning respect as he has moved his 
community forward.
  Thus, Madam Speaker, in recognition of his more than 50 years of 
serving the Niagara region, as an educator, an administrator, a 
legislator, a leader and a neighbor, I ask that this Honorable Body 
join me in honoring Mr. William L. Ross.

                          ____________________