[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 16034-16035]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO CARLIST ATHEL CREECH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 20, 2010

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
the deeds of a person I am proud to call a friend, Mr. Carlist Athel 
Creech, who will be recognized on Thursday September 16, 2010 on the 
occasion of his retirement, for his dedication to education and 
community service.
  Carl was born and raised in South Carolina. As an only child, he 
lived on a farm with his grandparents. He attended elementary and high 
school in South Carolina where he graduated second in his class. Upon 
graduating high school, Carl received a full four year music 
scholarship to Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, Texas. Mr. Creech was 
also very active in college. As a means of earning extra money he 
started his own Rhythm and Blues band. He played professionally for 
four years in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
  In September 1969 Carl's career in the Passaic Schools began when he 
obtained a job as an Instrumental Music teacher. He taught concert, 
marching and jazz band at various levels. He quickly became an 
important part of the community, not only teaching, but to working at 
the Passaic Boys & Girls Club for fifteen years while earning his 
masters degree at Montclair State University.
  Mr. Creech started his administrative career in 1974 serving as an 
elementary school assistant principal, then moving on to become a vice 
principal at Passaic High School. He then became the first African 
American principal of Passaic High School.
  Carl's dedication continues to enrich the lives of both the students 
and the entire Passaic community. He is a member of the Passaic 
Optimist Club, Past Distinguished President of the Passaic Chapter of 
the NAACP. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors for 
community service such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Xi Omega 
Chapter 2003 Legacy Award, 2002 Passaic Liam Club Educator of Year, 
2000 Outstanding Community Leader Award Passaic Chapter of NAACP, and 
the 1995 Roger Williams Baptist Outstanding Community Service Award In 
recognition of Black History Month in 2006, Carl was named one of the 
many exceptional African Americans by the Passaic County Board of 
Chosen Freeholders. Over the years, Carl has received numerous other 
awards and recognitions.
  Creech is very humbled by opportunities provided to him to make a 
difference in the lives of others. He finds solace in the words of the 
spiritual song ``If I can help someone as I pass this way, then my 
living would not have been in vain''.
  Carl was married to the late Susie Carol Siler Creech, a union that 
was blessed with two sons, Rodney and Corey. He is a grandfather to two 
boys, Carl Michael Creech, son of Rodney and Caden Termain Creech, son 
of Corey.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to working with and recognizing the 
efforts of dedicated public servants like Carl Creech.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the students and 
alumni of the Passaic Schools, the City of Passaic and its' education 
community, Carl's family and friends, and me in recognizing Carlist 
Athel Creech's outstanding service to his community.

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