[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 40 (Thursday, March 21, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H2655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING MRS. SENORINA RENDON AS WOMAN OF THE YEAR FOR CALIFORNIA'S 33D 
                         CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California [Ms. Roybal-Allard] is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues 
who have joined us to commemorate women's history month by recognizing 
outstanding women in our Nation.
  Throughout the month of March, we in this country honor women from 
the past and present, who have, each in their own way, made a positive 
difference in their communities and toward the betterment of our 
Nation.
  These women come from all walks of life, cultures and economic 
backgrounds.
  They are the women who work in our fields and our factories, in 
Federal, State and local governments and in the armed services in 
defense of our country. They are the women who work hard at home to 
preserve the family, the very foundation of our country.
  The struggles and pioneering efforts of the women who came before us, 
and the courage and determination of the women of today, have opened 
new opportunities for all of us.
  It was not that long ago when women were thought of only as mothers, 
daughters, sisters, and men's wives.
  The fact that I am here this evening celebrating Women's History 
Month with my colleagues, many of whom are women, is indicative of the 
changing role of women in our society.
  We all know, however, that there is significant room for improvement.
  Even today, working women still earn only 70 cents for every dollar 
paid to their male counterparts, the glass ceiling has still not been 
shattered, women are still victims of sexual harassment at both work 
and school, gender equity in education is not yet a reality, and women 
are still much more likely to live in poverty than men.
  But because of women such as those we are honoring tonight, I am 
confident that we will not only continue to elevate the status of 
women, but strengthen our communities and our society as a whole.
  This evening, I would like to recognize one of the many women in my 
district who embodies this spirit, Mrs. Senorina Rendon.
  Mrs. Rendon, a resident of the city of South Gate CA, has always been 
an active force in her community.
  She is a member of the South Gate PTA and formerly served as its 
president.
  She combats the problem of gang violence in her community, through 
her work with police officers and local youth.
  For the past 6 years, Mrs. Rendon has been the president of the South 
Gate High School parents group, where she works to motivate parents to 
get involved in their children's education.
  Her ultimate goal is to give all the students in her community the 
opportunity to attend college.
  Mrs. Rendon knows first hand the benefits of education.
  While volunteering in her community, and raising six children, all of 
whom have graduated from high school and two from college thus far, 
Mrs. Rendon herself has gone back to school to continue her own 
education.
  Mrs. Rendon exemplifies the utmost dedication to both family and 
community.
  She is a shining example of an outstanding woman in public service 
and I am honored that she is the ``woman of the year'' for the 33d 
Congressional District.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from 
Utah [Mr. Orton].

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