Senior of the Year

 ON Friday May 27th, 2016 Mr. Zeddie D. Coley was recognized as the Senior of the Year for Ward 1 by Councilman Terrell Pruitt and Mayor Frank Jackson at Senior Day down at Public Hall.

 

A revered Cleveland educator, Mr. Coley has dedicated his life to teaching, helping and caring for those around him.  He has been married to his wife, Shirley for over 60 years, and together they have two daughters, both teachers, Carma and Cyhthia.  He is the proud grandfather of five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

 

Mr. Coley graducated from Monroe High School in 1950 and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Albany State University.  In 1974 he also completed his Master's Degree in Education from Celveland State University.  After receiving his formal education, Mr. Coley derved in the United States Army.  In 1955, he bagan his career as a fourth grade teacher at Wade Park Elementary.  he continued his remarkable career within the East Cleveland City Schools as a science teacher at Kirk Junior High School.  Mr. Coley continues to maintain contant with many of the wonderful students he taught throughout the years.  

 

Mr. Coley became an active member of the Harvard Community Services Center and was a member of their Board of Trustees for 27 years.  He served as an Education Assocation Committee Chairperson and during his tenure; he was active in hiring several principals in the Lee Harvard area schools and spear headed the track and field renovation committee for John F. Kennedy High School.

 

Mr. Coley has received the Harvard Community Services Center's Life Time Achievement Award, Delta Sigma Theta Corority's Black Diamonds Award, John F. Kennedy's Community Volunteer Award and the Neighborhood Leadership Award.

 

Mr. Coley has been an active member of the East Zion Baptisht Church for over 60 years.  He is an avid gardener and takes pride in harvesting vegetables that he shares with his neighbors.  When asked what it is that he loves most about Cleveland, he stated, "Cleveland gave my wife, which makes me love it the most."

 

Congratulations Mr. Coley and Thank You for all you do.