[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 136 (Friday, September 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1735-E1736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF DR. SIOMARA SANCHEZ-GUERRA: A DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR MAKING 
                     A DIFFERENCE TO HER COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
extraordinary woman, Dr. Siomara Sanchez-Guerra, who is committed to 
making a difference in her community. Dr. Sanchez's accomplishments 
will be recognized at the 1996 Anniversary Dinner Dance of the National 
Association of Cuban-American Women on November 3 at the Mediterranean 
Manor in Newark, NJ.
  Dr. Sanchez's road to becoming a respected community leader began 
with her birth in the province of Matanzas, Cuba. She subsequently 
moved with her mother to Havana where she attended high school and 
later Havana University where she earned a Doctorate of Law in 1959. 
However, Dr. Sanchez was unable to begin practice as a

[[Page E1736]]

lawyer due to the accusation of anti-revolutionary activities against 
the Castro regime. Two years hence, she traveled to the United States 
in search of freedom and stability for her family and obtained 
employment as a bookkeeper and clerk in New York City.
  The topic of education has been particularly important throughout Dr. 
Sanchez's career. She completed coursework at Columbia University that 
resulted in an 8-year assignment as a social worker. In 1974, Dr. 
Sanchez earned a masters degree in education from Montclair State 
College. She became a guidance counselor at East Side High School in 
Newark, NJ where she has facilitated the educational development of 
students for the past 20 years.
  Community activism has been a hallmark of Dr. Sanchez's existence. In 
1977, she joined the New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of 
Cuban-American Women [NACAW] because she believed that Cuban-American 
women need to participate in the professional and political world. Dr. 
Sanchez has served as president of the State chapter of NACAW and is 
currently its national president. She has accomplished much in the area 
of community service, including the founding of an annual toy 
distribution on Three Kings Day to foster the continuation of Spanish 
traditions, the establishment of the Elena Mederos Award, which 
recognizes the contribution of women to the advancement of the Hispanic 
community, and a yearly visit on Easter Sunday with a group of 
associates to children in the Jersey City Medical Center and an AIDS 
group home to bring them the joy of the holiday season.
  It is an honor to have such an outstanding and considerate individual 
working on behalf of the residents of my district. Dr. Sanchez 
epitomizes the immensely positive influence one woman can have on the 
lives of others in her community. I am certain my colleagues will rise 
with me and honor this remarkable woman.

                          ____________________