[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOSIE LUJAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 16, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
thank Josie Lujan for the remarkable work she has done over the years 
educating her students. Her career as an educator has been marked by 
high accolades, and her upcoming retirement from Monte Vista High 
School will most certainly bring more awards, as she has already 
received her school's Golden Apple Award this year. It is my privilege 
to pay tribute to Josie as she puts the finishing touches on an 
extraordinary career.
  Lujan perhaps is best known for the 1978 Lujan Act, an act that bears 
her name in reference to the lawsuit in which she was named the lead 
plaintiff. The Lujan Act guaranteed equal educational funding from the 
State of Colorado for poor and rural schools, and her dedication in 
this cause earned her the Federico Pena Community Service Award in 
1979.
  Josie continued challenging long held inequities when she was 
appointed to a vacated seat on the previously all male Del Norte School 
Board, to which she was subsequently re-elected. Despite her many 
historical achievements, it is her work with her special education 
students at Monte Vista High School, beginning in 1979, which fills her 
with the most joy. Lujan has carried out the role of educating her 
students, not only in scholastic subjects, but also in life skills, 
with remarkable compassion and devotion. Although she is retiring, her 
work with special education students will continue through programs 
such as therapeutic riding.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the service of Josie 
Lujan before this body of Congress and this nation, and to congratulate 
her on an outstanding career. I would like to wish her the best in her 
retirement and sincerely thank her for her service.

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