Honoring Salome Thomas-EL for his tireless dedication to improve the quality of life and service to the children of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, and his authorship of two nationally acclaimed books.

WHEREAS, Salome Thomas-EL is a native Philadelphia son, who earned a Bachelor’s degree from

East Stroudsburg University

, and studied abroad in Cambridge and London, England; and

WHEREAS, Salome Thomas-EL began his career as a teacher with the School District of Philadelphia in 1987 with a focus to inspire students in the inner city to attend special-admission high schools, colleges and universities; and

WHEREAS, His career in education has seen such involvement as the head administrator in two North Philadelphia middle schools; John F. Reynolds and Stoddart Fleisher, where under his leadership, he facilitated reading, breakfast and Saturday morning tutoring programs which has led to Mr. Thomas-EL being offered principal opportunities in many school districts throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, Under his tutelage students have received international recognition as eight (8) time national chess champions and through his leadership as coach, chess has drawn many students to gain life lessons through the strategic instruction and competitive nature involved in playing the game; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas-EL has appeared as a featured guest on “The O’Reilly Factor”, C-SPAN, The Tavis Smiley Show, CNN and NPR Radio, offering commentary and innovative views of teaching and mentoring; and many of his students have been featured in Reader’s Digest, Education Week, National Education Association Today and Black Enterprise Magazine highlighting his diligent work and service; and

WHEREAS, He has received recognition as one of the “Best Philadelphians” in 2006 by

Philadelphia Magazine

, by the School District of Philadelphia (Marcus A. Foster Award) for being an outstanding Administrator, by the University of Pennsylvania as the winner of the renowned Martin Luther King Award, and as the recipient of an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Ursinus College in Pennsylvania for his personal commitment to education; and

WHEREAS, Currently Mr. Thomas-EL is a proud husband and father of two daughters, a current doctoral student, and he serves professionally as the principal of Russell Byers Public Charter School in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, He is the author of two inspirational books “I Choose to Stay” and “The Immortality of Influence” that define his work with students outlining the significance of parenting and mentoring; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Mr. Salome Thomas-EL for his commitment to the children of Philadelphia, his leadership in the community, and contributions to the literary realm.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Salome Thomas-EL as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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