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“TRIBUTE TO JOHN BELFORTE” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1071 on June 9, 1998.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO JOHN BELFORTE
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HON. ANNA G. ESHOO
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, June 9, 1998
Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor John Belforte, upon his retirement as an extraordinary educator for forty-three years.
John Belforte served for three years during the Korean War before choosing to pursue a career in education. He earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from San Francisco State University and embarked upon a life dedicated to education. He was an elementary school teacher for five years, and an elementary, intermediate and middle school administrator for a combined thirty-eight years.
Under John Belforte's guidance, numerous projects were undertaken and accomplished at Bowditch Middle School, including a TV/Radio Broadcast Studio, three computer labs, a planetarium, tennis courts, technology work stations in each classroom, an enlarged intra-mural sports program, a conflict resolution program, student selected scheduling and programing, and the highly successful Bowditch Means Business, an innovative business and school partnership.
During his tenure as Principal of Bowditch Middle School and as a result of John Belforte's efforts, the school was designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School and a California State Department of Education Recognized School of Excellence.
John Belforte served as President of the Jefferson Elementary School District Teachers Association, president of the San Mateo County Teachers Association, Regional President of the Association of California School Administrators, a member of Phi Delta Kappa and the College of Notre Dame Faculty Advisory Committee.
John Belforte has given generously of his time and talents to our community, serving as a Commissioner on the San Mateo County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission, and as a Board Member of the Human Investment Project and Beresford-Hillsdale Homeowners Association. He's been recognized by the Foster City Rotary and Toastmasters International for his outstanding achievements and contributions, and San Francisco State University for his distinguished service as a member of the Advisory Committee to the Department of Education. His extensive involvement was recognized by the City of Foster City which issued a Proclamation naming May 31, 1990 as John Belforte Day.
Throughout his distinguished career, John Belforte has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers for his dedication and his effectiveness in improving our educational system. He has touched the lives of countless students and served as an inspiration to many. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating John Belforte on his retirement, thanking him for his tireless efforts and dedication, and wishing him all the best in the years ahead.
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