Recognizing and Honoring Principal Marc Pascente

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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.

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