[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 177 (Wednesday, November 16, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING MR. BILLY F. DeBERRY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2022

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the 
life of Mr. Billy F. DeBerry, who passed away on September 17, 2022. A 
local legend and inspiration to our community, Mr. DeBerry's life and 
enduring contributions made a positive impact to many of my 
constituents across the Monterey Peninsula. Born on February 7, 1939, 
in Denmark, Tennessee, Mr. DeBerry spent most of his life in Seaside, 
California. While working at Alabama State College, Mr. DeBerry and his 
wife were recruited by Mr. Charlie Knight, marking the beginning of a 
32-year-long, influential career with the Monterey Peninsula Unified 
School District.
  Mr. DeBerry's prolific career with Monterey Peninsula Unified School 
District began when he was hired as a professional school counselor for 
Martin Luther King, Jr. High School in 1968. Two years later, he was 
promoted to Assistant Principal at Monterey High School, and four years 
later, he was promoted to Principal. In 1987, Billy joined the Central 
Office of MPUSD as Director of Personnel and Assistant Superintendent 
of Personnel. In 1991, he was promoted to Associate Superintendent and 
would eventually become Superintendent of Schools in 1994. It was this 
position that Mr. DeBerry would hold until his retirement in 2000.
  Throughout Billy's career, he exemplified high standards of 
integrity, discipline, inclusiveness, and most importantly, compassion. 
Most notably, Mr. DeBerry worked diligently and tirelessly to become 
the first and only African American Superintendent of the Monterey 
Peninsula Unified School District.
  These high standards extended beyond his role as Superintendent. Mr. 
DeBerry worked to lift up the Central Coast through his important and 
influential positions on the Advisory Board for California State 
University Monterey Bay Institute for Community Collaborative Studies, 
the City of Seaside's Mayor's Advisory Committee on Government 
Efficiency, the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Community 
Development Program, the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury, the Monterey 
County Equal Opportunity Advisory Commission, the Monterey County 
Sheriff's Office Commission, and the Monterey County Economic 
Development Commission.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Billy DeBerry was the type of dedicated community 
member, leader, and educator we should all strive to be. His legacy is 
a shining example and inspiration to us all to become more involved in 
our communities. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him 
here today.

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