[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 4, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E993-E994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO LA PUENTE VALLEY REGIONAL OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAM

                                 ______


                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 1996

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of the La Puente Valley Regional Occupational Program 
[ROP], as it celebrates 25 years of community service and putting 
people on a path to a meaningful and productive career.
  Established in July 1970, by four sponsoring unified school 
districts; Bassett, Hacienda-La Puente, Rowland, and Walnut Valley, in 
cooperation with the county superintendent of

[[Page E994]]

schools and the State of California, the La Puente Valley ROP will 
celebrate 25 years of dedicated service to the community on July 1, 
1996.
  In July 1994, La Puente Valley ROP became a three-district Regional 
Occupational Program featuring Bassett, Hacienda-La Puente, and Rowland 
Unified School Districts. Under the dynamic leadership of 
Superintendent Patricia Frank and Board of Trustee Members Anita Perez, 
Al Cobos, Mary Jo Maxwell, Toni Giaffoglione, Norman Hsu, and Pete 
Samphere; and an outstanding instructional staff, the La Puente Valley 
ROP has made major gains toward implementing the goals as stated in 
it's mission statement:

       The La Puente Valley Regional Occupational Program is 
     committed to developing and providing quality occupational 
     training programs that lead to a successful school-to-work 
     transition or advanced technical training. These programs 
     shall meet the diverse needs of all eligible students.

  Over the past 25 years, more than 145,000 high school juniors and 
seniors, and adults from the community have taken advantage of the 
opportunities to participate in hundreds of courses. The La Puente 
Valley ROP offers: business and management, graphic arts, industrial 
technology, electronics, health occupations, personal services, food 
services/restaurant occupations and agriculture. Through the interest-
aptitude-ability testing, career counseling, and job placement 
assistance, hundreds of the participating students have made the 
successful school-to-work transition.
  The benefits to prospective employers are significant, there are no 
fees, applicants are prescreened, and potential employees are trained 
to meet a company's needs. The partnership built between industry, 
education, and the community is commendable.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have such a successful program serving 
my constituents. It is with pride that I rise and ask my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing the La Puente Valley Regional Occupational 
Program for 25 years of distinguished service to the community.

                          ____________________