[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTS OF JEAN CARPENTER

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                            HON. HILDA SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2001

  Mrs. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, Jean Carpenter opened the doors of 
opportunity for the children of Baldwin Park through her ``learning to 
read'' programs. She served as a positive role model to the residents 
of the 31st Congressional District. She is an example of how one 
person's perseverance can make tremendous changes to improve our 
educational system.
  Sadly, Jean Carpenter passed away this Monday, February 12, 2001 at 
the age of 58. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 which 
later resurfaced in 1996.
  An active school board member since 1995, she helped establish 
reading programs as a way to help children obtain a brighter future. 
These innovative reading programs that were implemented by the school 
board significantly improved student test scores in Baldwin Park.
  Jean believed that by setting high expectations for each student, 
this would consequently lead to higher school retention, less drop-out 
rates, and better preparation to enter the workforce.
  She was ahead of her time, advocating reduction in class sizes, 
initiating a drive to obtain $4.3 million for computer and technology 
equipment for local schools, and helping to pass a $15 million school 
bond to remodel and improve old school buildings.
  She also began the ``Mother and Daughter Program'' to involve parents 
in their children's education. Jean believed that parent participation 
would motivate students to excel academically so that they could attain 
a college education.
  She was bestowed with many awards, including: the 1998 57th Assembly 
District Woman of the Year and the 1999 Baldwin Park Citizen of the 
Year. In the year 2000, she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement 
Award from the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA).
  Jean was honored with these awards due to her leadership and 
commitment to improving the educational system in Baldwin Park. To her 
friends and family, she was a fighter. Even during her struggle with 
cancer, she continued to serve on the school board and participated in 
many community activities.
  Jean Carpenter obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Thomas 
Aquinas College and a Masters in Education from City College of New 
York. Carpenter is survived by her husband Leroy, her son Michael, and 
two grandchildren.
  We must continue to share the legacy that Jean Carpenter left for us 
to admire and to replicate in order to improve the educational system 
nationwide.

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