[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 102 (Wednesday, September 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING DONELDA WARHURST AND LIZ STUMPF OF YORBA LINDA, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY G. MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2000

  Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure 
that I honor Donelda Warhurst and Liz Stumpf, teachers at Bryant Ranch 
School, in Yorba Linda, California. Ms. Warhurst and Mrs. Stumpf are 
more than just educators; they are passionate, inspiring leaders who 
encourage their students to reach beyond the walls of the classroom in 
their pursuit of knowledge.
  Ms. Warhurst and Mrs. Stumpf spearheaded the award-winning ``Once 
Upon a River'' curriculum. ``Once Upon a River'' is an integrated, 
cross curriculum approach that allows students to learn more about the 
Santa Ana River while simultaneously mastering grade-level skills in 
language arts, math, science, social studies, and the arts.
  In addition to studying the chemistry and biology of the water, the 
historical importance of the Santa Ana River, and data collection 
skills, the students also have a public property access permit to 
carry-out mitigation of Arundo Donax, Castor Bean, and Tamarisk. 
Students have applied their knowledge to effectively clear the area of 
Arundo Donax, an introduced species of bamboo that was threatening 
native plants, build and install bluebird boxes, and educate others 
about the Santa Ana River.
  Ms. Warhurst and Mrs. Stumpf have showcased and furthered the work of 
their students through various community partnerships. The Orange 
County Park Service and the Orange County Flood Control District have 
served as advisors. Students have also worked with officials at the 
City of Yorba Linda and a local bat biologist.
  ``Once Upon a River'' has been a success. After five years and 10,080 
volunteer hours provided by 280 students, an acre of the highly 
invasive ``Arundo Donax'' has been completely removed along the Santa 
Ana River.
  Ms. Warhurst and Mrs. Stumpf have been recognized by the Orange 
County Board of Supervisors, the Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School 
Board, and the Points of Light Foundation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that this House please join me in recognizing, 
honoring and commending Ms. Warhurst and Mrs. Stumpf for their 
creativity, leadership, and commitment to their students.

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