The Union City School District is greatly saddened to hear the news of Colin Powell’s passing. Secretary Powell had a long and distinguished career spanning more than fifty years as one of our nation’s top diplomats and military leaders. He was awarded a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, a Congressional Gold Medal, the President’s Citizen Medal, the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal, the Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal, and two Presidential Medals of Freedom--the first from President George H. W. Bush, and the second, with distinction, from President Bill Clinton--one of only two individuals to have twice received that honor.
Union City is proud to have our Colin Powell Elementary School named in honor of this exceptional American. When the school was dedicated, Secretary Powell and his wife, Alma, attended the ceremony and stayed for more than an hour afterward speaking with our students and staff. He was a gracious, humble, and inspiring man, truly a role model for our children.
The District extends our deepest condolences to the Powell family and our heartfelt gratitude to Colin Powell for a life of dedicated service to us all.