[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 86 (Thursday, June 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       TRIBUTE TO CLARA BEAUCHAMP

                                 ______


                           HON. FRANK TEJEDA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 1994

  Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, as Congress focuses its attention on the 
details of the national health care reform debate, we must not forget 
the outstanding individuals who today serve our communities in the 
noble pursuit of nursing and public health care. In San Antonio, we 
have been fortunate for the past 40 years to have had the dedication 
and tireless service of Clara Beauchamp. Her recent retirement marks 
the end of a distinguished career.
  Beginning her work as a registered nurse in a San Antonio hospital, 
Ms. Beauchamp joined the health staff of East Central High School in 
1971 as health occupations teacher. Five years later, she was promoted 
to the position of school district nurse. With time and reflecting the 
growing needs in the area, Ms. Beauchamp became the school district's 
health services coordinator. As such, she developed new educational and 
health programs, and most recently worked with a staff of 5 nurses and 
8 health aides to serve the needs of 6,500 school children. We cannot 
adequately thank her for her years of service to our youth.
  Ms. Beauchamp did not treat concern for the health of others as a 
mere occupation; for her, it is a life pursuit she will continue into 
retirement. She has won numerous awards from the American Cancer 
Society and the American Heart Association in recognition of her public 
health work and accomplishments. As chair of the school nurse committee 
for the cancer society, she was instrumental in the creation of 
tobacco-free schools in Bexar County and throughout Texas. The Heart 
Association recognized her important service to the parent education 
task force and the school task force. We all know that public health 
education--learning how better to take care of ourselves--saves lives, 
and we owe a debt of gratitude to Ms. Beauchamp for her work. We also 
know that, in trauma situations, emergency first aid can make the life 
and death difference. And again we must thank Ms. Beauchamp for her 
work on the committee which brought emergency medical service to Bexar 
County.
  She is no stranger to public service. Her husband, Jerry, served in 
the Texas State House of Representatives for a number of years, and I 
commend them both on their devotion to public good. As they enter their 
retirement years, they hope to spend more time with their 5 children 
and 10 grandchildren while continuing to devote time to their community 
and church. Ms. Beauchamp leaves a positive legacy, one that we will 
appreciate for many years to come.

                          ____________________