[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E438-E439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN TRIBUTE TO GLEN AND SALLY BECERRA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to two of my 
constituents and friends, Glen and Sally Becerra, who for the second 
year are chairing the Simi Valley Education Foundation's Lew Roth 
Dinner.
  Few passions are more important to the future of America than the 
education of our children. Lew Roth epitomized that passion during 23 
years as a School Board trustee in my hometown of Simi Valley, 
California. We registered in different parties, but we were bound by 
that belief. He was a true teacher and a good friend.
  Lew founded the Simi Valley Education Foundation in 1989 to provide 
the business community and individuals with an avenue to improve our 
schools. The Lew Roth awards were founded after Lew died in 1991 to 
recognize other school personnel who share Lew's passion for educating 
our children. Awarded during a gala dinner celebration, the awards 
honor a classified school employee, a manager, a teacher and a 
volunteer. This year's recipients are PTA volunteer Annette Morgan, 
Garden Grove School Principal Lynn Friedman, Santa Susana School 
cafeteria manager Linda Pistachio, and longtime educator Peggie 
Noisette. They join an elite group more important than any Hall of 
Frame promoted regularly on television.
  This year's gala, to be held on Friday at the Ronald Reagan 
Presidential Library, is a festive gathering that brings the community 
together to recommit to Lew's ideals and his vision. It is an important 
fund-raiser for the non-profit foundation, and provides a large share 
of the funds the foundation spends each year for teacher grants, 
classroom technology and other educational needs. The success of the 
evening helps shape the success of the foundation for the coming year.
  And, the success of the evening depends largely on the people who 
chair the event, the caliber of an active foundation board, and the 
cadre of other volunteers they assemble to assist them. It's a huge 
commitment and one that Glen and Sally Becerra have taken on twice. It 
is anticipated that the galas last year and this year will have raised 
about $200,000 for the foundation.
  I know personally of Glen's and Sally's commitment to family and 
community. They have two young children who are the loves of their 
lives. Sally is a dedicated mother and Glen a dedicated father who 
together actively nurture their children. In addition to serving as a 
foundation board member, Glen is a city councilman. They have long been 
active in their community, like their parents before them.

[[Page E439]]

  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating 
Gland and Sally Becerra on another successful event and thank them for 
their dedication and ensure our children receive a rich and rewarding 
education.

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