[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 41 (Thursday, March 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO SONIA BEDROSSIAN PELTEKIAN, 29TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 
                        WOMAN OF THE YEAR--2003

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2003

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Women's History Month. 
Each year, we pay special tribute to the accomplishments made by our 
nation's most distinguished women during the month of March. It is my 
great honor to recognize extraordinary women who are making a 
difference in my district.
  I stand today, to recognize an outstanding woman of California's 29th 
Congressional District, Ms. Sonia Bedrossian Peltekian. Over the years, 
Sonia has been an outspoken advocate for the Armenian-American 
community.
  Born in Jerusalem, Ms. Peltekian attended St. Joseph High School, 
graduating as valedictorian, and Terra Santa Girls' College where she 
majored in business administration and minored in music teaching and 
conducting. Sonia worked in Jerusalem as a music teacher at Terra Santa 
Boys College, a secretary at the United Nations Relief and Work Agency, 
and organist/choir director for Terra Santa Church.
  In the 1970s, Sonia immigrated to the United States, became a United 
States citizen, and married Barkev Peltekian. She and her husband have 
two children, Lara and Paul. Her work experience includes a fourteen-
year term as an administrative assistant for Blue Cross of California, 
piano teaching, and assisting in the family business, Barkev's 
Photography.
  Ms. Peltekian volunteers for the United Armenia Fund, the American 
Red Cross and the Armenian Cultural Association. For nearly thirty 
years, she has been extremely active in the Armenian Relief Society, 
Western Region ``Mayr'' Chapter in Los Angeles, serving as President 
and Vice President. In 1998, Sonia won the County of Los Angeles' 
Outstanding Volunteer Award for her service to refugees living in Los 
Angeles County. In addition, she volunteers at various schools and 
community functions to speak about issues related to Armenian culture, 
women and religious holidays. Her command of four languages: English, 
Armenian, Arabic and French help to make her a much sought-after public 
speaker and volunteer.
  Throughout the years, Sonia has focused on using her knowledge to 
enhance opportunities for the Armenian-American community, which has 
greatly benefited from her devoted service.
  I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in honoring a 
remarkable woman of California's 29th Congressional District, Sonia 
Bedrossian Peltekian. The entire community joins me in thanking Ms. 
Peltekian for her efforts.

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