Title
Proclamation honoring the life and memory of Mr. Sherman Shrager, a key leader in the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers.
Body
WHEREAS, Mr. Sherman Shrager served as the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers (PFT) Vice-President for Middle Schools and the PFT's Liaison to the Pittsburgh Public School District's Department of Human Resources. He served on the PFT's Executive Board as an elected Middle School Representative from 1981-2001 and was Chairman of the Professionalism and Education Partnership steering committee; and
WHEREAS, he served as a Vice-President for Pittsburgh on the American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania Executive Council and had been a member of the PA State Professional Standards and Practices Commission. He also served as the PFT's representative to the national Teacher Union Reform Network (TURN). He was Vice-Chair of the Pittsburgh Teachers Credit Union and had been a member of the Credit Union's Board of Directors for more than fifteen years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Shrager taught Reading and Social Studies at Greenway Middle School for 23 years and served as Team Leader and Instructional Teacher Leader for 21 years. He also served as the PFT Building Representative at Greenway for almost 20 years; and
WHEREAS, he was President of the Pittsburgh Council of B'nai B'rith in 1985-86 and the organization's District President in 1992-93. He was also President of the Jewish University Center, serving the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University from 1992-1995. He received the national Label Katz leadership award from B'nai B'rith in 1985 and was recognized locally in 1986 as Pittsburgh B'nai B'rith Man of the Year. He was also the recipient of a joint leadership award from B'nai B'rith and Israel Bonds in 1996; and
WHEREAS, although our community grieves at the passing of an individual who so completely personified compassion and community spirit, we know that he will always be remembered, and we join with his family in giving thanks for the life of Sherman Shrager, one of the most admired and respected leaders we have encountered;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize Mr. Sherman Shrager for his positive impact on this community and its citizens. Mr. Shrager's commitment to children and families in the community serve as inspirations to us all and, while we cannot hope to replace him, we can honor his memory by commending and emulating the spirit of his dedication.