[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14704]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               A TRIBUTE IN RECOGNITION OF ADRIAN STRAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 2009

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Adrian 
Straker, a tireless advocate for children in our community.
  Adrian Mary Levell was raised in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, 
graduated from Midwood High School with honors, received her Bachelor's 
degree in Sociology from Northwestern University, and attended graduate 
school at Long Island University, receiving her Master of Science in 
Counseling and Development.
  Following the completion of her studies, Adrian began her career in 
public service as a caseworker in the foster care unit at St. Vincent's 
Services in Brooklyn, NY. There Adrian developed her passion for 
helping to solve the dilemmas and socio-economic challenges of urban 
life. For the past 17 years, Adrian has been a guidance counselor at 
Public School 32 serving the Carroll Gardens-Gowanus Housing 
Development community, where she interacts daily with neighborhood 
youth and their families serving as the link between classroom 
teachers, parents, guardians, administration officials, and on-site 
medical/mental health programs to ensure a student's overall academic 
achievement and personal development.
  Adrian also recently served on the staff of Brooklyn Borough 
President Marty Markowitz as the Director of Community Boards. In this 
role, she managed a staff of community relations personnel who 
maintained interactive relationships with community board chairpersons 
and district managers. She also served as the borough president's chief 
architect of faith-based relationships.
  Adrian is member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has served 
as regional officer and charities chairperson. She is also the past 
vice chairperson of the Brooklyn Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, 
Inc. Adrian sits on numerous professional and community boards 
including Inner City Little League Brooklyn, Northwestern University 
Alumni Association, St. Mark's Independent Block Association, 
Cornerstone Baptist Church Support Services and is a founding member of 
the Concerned Crew of Bedford Stuyvesant.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Adrian Straker, a visionary 
leader and an inspiration to all of New York.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Adrian Straker.

                          ____________________