Ernest
P. Barka served the Rockingham County Area for many years and
served as it's commissioner for 27 years. He also served over twenty
years on the Derry school board, more than half as the board's
chairman. In 2004, a year after Ernie Barka passed away, the Derry
school board unanimously honored the longtime public servant by naming
Derry's newest elementary school after him.
Brenda Willis, the current school board chairperson, writes that
"Ernie was a wonderful, kind and caring man with a very big heart. He
worked tirelessly for the citizens of Derry and was a strong advocate
for the children as well as the elderly. He took time to listen to his
constituents and genuinely cared about our children and our schools. He
was a great friend and mentor." Ms. Willis quotes Ernie himself saying,
"Give kids someone to look up to and your perspective will change.
Visit a classroom and see how they see you. Remember you're there for
the kids - to help them get started thinking about their future careers
and how to make the most of their education. So by the end of the class
you'll feel like you really are ten feet tall."
Pictured
below is a memorial to Mr. Barka in the hallway at
Ernest P. Barka Elementary School in Derry, New Hampshire.
HONORING ERNIE BARKA
From the Congressional Record
(U.S. House of Representatives - March 13, 2003)
Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire.
Madam Speaker, I
rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated New Hampshire resident who
has devoted over 30 years of his life to public service, Mr. Ernie
Barka.
Ernie passed away Monday,
March 10, at the age
of 80. He was a true civic leader in his community, devoting his life
to others and improving the quality of life for residents, not only
in his hometown but all over southern New Hampshire. He worked
tirelessly to help those less fortunate and was a champion for the
elderly and for children.
The son of Lebanese immigrants, Ernie learned
strong family values and the importance of respect for others while
working in his parents' grocery store. The strong work ethic
instilled by his parents during his childhood carried over to all
aspects of his adult life, particularly in his community and civic
involvement.
Ernie served most recently as Rockingham County
Commissioner and was a former State representative and former school
board member in the town of Derry.
Ernie is credited with launching the Meals on
Wheels program in Rockingham County. Leaders like Ernie exemplify the
true spirit of civic responsibility and he will be truly missed. His
efforts to make New Hampshire a better place to live have made a
lasting impact on the people of New Hampshire that both knew him and
knew of him. I am happy to have called Ernie my friend.
Jeb Bradley - 1st District New Hampshire
Congressman
a Tribute to Ernie Barka
A Devoted Public Servant
Serving his community
Brenda Willis, the current school board chairperson, writes that "Ernie was a wonderful, kind and caring man with a very big heart. He worked tirelessly for the citizens of Derry and was a strong advocate for the children as well as the elderly. He took time to listen to his constituents and genuinely cared about our children and our schools. He was a great friend and mentor." Ms. Willis quotes Ernie himself saying, "Give kids someone to look up to and your perspective will change. Visit a classroom and see how they see you. Remember you're there for the kids - to help them get started thinking about their future careers and how to make the most of their education. So by the end of the class you'll feel like you really are ten feet tall."
Pictured below is a memorial to Mr. Barka in the hallway at
Ernest P. Barka Elementary School in Derry, New Hampshire.
HONORING ERNIE BARKA
From the Congressional Record
(U.S. House of Representatives - March 13, 2003)
Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated New Hampshire resident who has devoted over 30 years of his life to public service, Mr. Ernie Barka.
Ernie passed away Monday, March 10, at the age of 80. He was a true civic leader in his community, devoting his life to others and improving the quality of life for residents, not only in his hometown but all over southern New Hampshire. He worked tirelessly to help those less fortunate and was a champion for the elderly and for children.
The son of Lebanese immigrants, Ernie learned strong family values and the importance of respect for others while working in his parents' grocery store. The strong work ethic instilled by his parents during his childhood carried over to all aspects of his adult life, particularly in his community and civic involvement.
Ernie served most recently as Rockingham County Commissioner and was a former State representative and former school board member in the town of Derry.
Ernie is credited with launching the Meals on Wheels program in Rockingham County. Leaders like Ernie exemplify the true spirit of civic responsibility and he will be truly missed. His efforts to make New Hampshire a better place to live have made a lasting impact on the people of New Hampshire that both knew him and knew of him. I am happy to have called Ernie my friend.
Jeb Bradley - 1st District New Hampshire Congressman