Dear Editor:
When you enter Union City from its neighboring towns and cities, Mayor Brian P. Stack, welcomes you with a sign that states “Union City proud of our ethnic and diverse culture”. This statement was emulated on July 26, 2012, when the Union City Board of Education named the new school at 15th Street New York Ave, the Colin Powell School.
Board of Education President Jennette Pena and board members, had the wisdom to select a man whose life story will inspire students for generations to come. Mr. Powell, career achievements of being a war hero, rising in the army to become chairman of the point chief of staff, and then serve as secretary of state under President George W. Bush, will install in the mind of students that nothing can prevent them from reaching their dreams and goals. When you study and work hard nothing can prevent you from reaching your goals was the recipe used by Mr. Powell, to move ahead in life while growing up in Jamaica, NY, a place similar to Union City. Moreover, most of Union City students have the same background and face the same challenges a young Colin Powell faced. Both coming from immigrant parents and a humble economic background.
In closing, as a life long resident of Union City I am proud to call it my home. As President Ronald Wilson Reagan, said about our country, “American is that shinning city on top of the hill” Union City resembles this optimistic view our 40th President. Here we illustrate Proud of our ethnic and diverse culture. God Bless America!
Celin J. Valdivia