Brooklyn, New York – In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns will hold a press conference to recognize the achievements of the outstanding principal and teachers at Bedford Academy High School.  On Friday, May 9th at 5:15 PM, Congressman Towns will present a proclamation and awards to the faculty and principal of Bedford Academy High School; the press conference will be held at Prospect Park Picnic House (3rd Street and Prospect Park W in Brooklyn, NY).  Along with Congressman Towns, the program will include Principal George Leonard, a Bedford Academy student, and a parent, who, together, will celebrate the wondrous achievements of Bedford Academy, their exceptional service and commitment to scholarly endeavor.  Following the press conference, the Friends of Bedford Academy will host their Annual Benefit Gala to raise scholarship funds for 2008 graduates.

"In our earliest experiences and throughout our lives, teachers touch us in a way few people do,” said Congressman Towns.  “At Bedford Academy, the teachers represent excellence.  I believe that excellence is a result of parents, teachers and the school’s administrators all working together for a change.  That is worthy of celebration and commendation!” Towns exclaimed.

In 2003, Bedford Academy opened its doors and graduated nearly all of its students in its first class, the class of 2007.  Many went on to various colleges, including Long Island University, Temple University, Stony Brook, Morehouse, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, just to name a few. 

Under the leadership of Principal George Leonard, Bedford Academy High School received a 90 percent-plus passing rate on all New York State Regents exams. To achieve this level of success, Bedford Academy conducts rigorous after-school tutoring almost daily and on Saturdays.

“My vision is for every Black and Latino in the inner city to have an opportunity to learn just like anyone else in the country,” said Principal George Leonard.  “My hope is for an equal playing field, and that is what we endeavor to provide.”

National Teacher Appreciation Week, reserved for May 4 through May 10th, is a time to honor the achievements of teachers and recognize the lasting contributions that they make to our lives.  Teachers in Brooklyn, New York and in communities across the nation will be in the spotlight this week as students, parents, school administrators and the general public learn how teachers are helping to make public schools great for every child.

“I am committed to advancing the cause of public education.  That is why I supported a fiscally-responsible House budget that would put our children and families first, increase investments in education and expand access to a high-quality education for all of America’s children,” concluded Towns.

Edolphus “Ed” Towns, a former social worker and community activist in Brooklyn, New York, is a 13-term veteran in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represents the 10th Congressional District of New York.  Rep. Towns' is committed to improving access to quality public education in the 10th Congressional District to ensure that all students achieve both academically and socially.

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