[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 155 (Friday, December 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO KATHERINE WEAVER SCHOMP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2000

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the notable 
accomplishments and extraordinary life of a woman in the 1st 
Congressional District of Colorado. It is both fitting and proper that 
we recognize this community leader for her exceptional record of civic 
leadership and invaluable service. It is to commend this outstanding 
citizen that I rise to honor Katherine Weaver Schomp.
  Kay Schomp was a remarkable woman who lived a remarkable life. She 
touched the lives of many people and made a tremendous impact on our 
community. Her indomitable spirit sustained her through many challenges 
and molded a life of notable accomplishment. Born in Pueblo, Colorado, 
she attended the Pueblo Public Schools and thereafter continued her 
education at Bossier's, Neuitly-Sur-Seine, France, the University of 
Colorado at Boulder and George Washington University in Washington DC 
where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in International 
Relations. She married Ralph Schomp in 1941 and was the mother of six 
daughters--Sara, Halcyon, Caroline, Lisa, Katherine and Mary Margaret.
  Those who knew Kay Schomp understood that her passion was community 
service. She was well known in the Denver area for her outspoken 
commentary and for her immeasurable contribution to the life of our 
community. She has amassed a distinguished record of leadership and has 
made numerous contributions in many areas. But her contributions to 
education and children, health care, media and the arts are of 
particular note.
  Kay was a powerful advocate for equal education and in 1973, she was 
elected to the Denver Public Schools Board of Education where she 
served in numerous capacities which included chairing the special 
education, investment and facilities planning committees, and the City-
Schools Coordinating Commission. She organized and facilitated the 
Student Board of Education, the Integrated Arts Program, the Gilpin 
Extended Day Care School and served on the National School Boards 
Association. In media and the arts, she served on the Colorado 
Commission on the Arts, the Council for Educational Television and the 
Public Broadcasting Service. She was a board member of Denver Community 
Television, the Five Points Media Association and the Cable Television 
Coordinating Committee. In health care, she served as a board member 
for the Denver Mental Health Association, the Denver Board for the 
Developmentally Disabled, and the Denver Visiting Nurses Association.
  Kay Schomp was also a successful businesswoman and was the co-owner 
and operator of KWS Investments, a firm specializing in urban 
properties. Kay also found time to serve on the Mayor's Child Care 
Advisory Commission, the Denver Youth Commission, and serve as a board 
member of the YMCA of Denver and the League of Women Voters.
  It comes as no surprise to our community that Kay Schomp was the 
recipient of numerous awards including the American Civil Liberties 
Union Whitehead Award, the Denver Mayor's Commission on the Arts, 
Culture and Film Award, the International Women Writer's Guild Artist 
for Life Award, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Award for Community 
Service, the CANPO William Funk Award for Community Activism and the 
International Women's Forum Life Achievement Award.
  Kay Schomp lived a life of meaning and one that was rich in 
consequence. It is the character and deeds of Kay Schomp, and all 
Americans like her, which distinguishes us as a nation and ennobles us 
as a people. Truly, we are all diminished by the passing of this 
remarkable woman.
  Please join me in paying tribute to the life of Kay Schomp. It is the 
values, leadership and commitment she exhibited during her life that 
has served to build a better future for all Americans. Her life serves 
as an example to which we should all aspire.

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