This resolution formally recognizes the historic achievements of fencing pioneer Peter Westbrook and the transformative impact of the Peter Westbrook Foundation on underserved youth through fencing, academics, and life skills training.
Adriano Espaillat
Representative
NY-13
This resolution formally recognizes the significant legacy of fencing pioneer Peter Westbrook and the transformative work of the Peter Westbrook Foundation. The Foundation provides underserved youth with free fencing instruction alongside crucial academic and life skills support. This effort has resulted in remarkable success, including high rates of high school graduation, college attendance, and Olympic representation.
Congress Gives Official Shout-Out to Fencing Legend Peter Westbrook and His Foundation’s 4,000+ Success Stories
This resolution is essentially a formal, public high-five from the House of Representatives to Peter Westbrook, a pioneering figure in U.S. fencing, and the foundation he built. It doesn't change any laws or budget a single new dollar, but it officially recognizes his legacy as the first African American man to win an Olympic medal in fencing (bronze in 1984) and celebrates the incredible work his foundation has been doing for over 30 years.
The Real Medal: Academic Success
While the resolution honors Westbrook’s 13 National Individual Sabre Championships, its main focus is the Peter Westbrook Foundation (PWF). Since 1991, the PWF has served over 4,000 young people, aged 8 to 18, from underserved communities in New York City. This isn't just about learning how to lunge; it’s a comprehensive youth development program. The resolution highlights that 85 percent of the students are Black or Latino, and 77 percent come from families with household incomes below the local median. This is about leveling the playing field using sports as the hook.
The Scorecard That Matters
For busy people trying to navigate the costs of raising a family and the pressures of getting kids into college, the foundation’s results are what really stand out. PWF provides free fencing lessons, academic tutoring, and test preparation from licensed professionals. The resolution specifically notes that 100 percent of their students graduate high school, 95 percent go on to college, and 80 percent improve their GPA. When you consider the systemic challenges faced by students in low-income communities, these numbers are a massive win. This resolution is essentially Congress acknowledging that this model works, providing a significant validation for the foundation's approach to combining athletics with rigorous academic support.
Beyond the Strip: Olympic Pipeline and Community Impact
If you needed proof that the foundation produces results, look no further than the Olympic team. The resolution points out that PWF has sent 17 students to the Olympics, including Lauren Scruggs, who won silver in 2024. In fact, one-third of the 2020 U.S. fencing team came directly from this foundation. This isn't just a feel-good story; it's a testament to how targeted, high-quality programming can create opportunities that translate into real-world success, whether that’s an Olympic medal or a college degree. By formally recognizing the foundation’s work in teaching self-confidence, healthy living, and academic achievement, Congress is shining a light on a successful blueprint for youth development that could be replicated elsewhere.