[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 120 (Thursday, September 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1941-E1942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING MARIA REZA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2005

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to rise today to 
recognize a dear friend and an outstanding educator, Maria Reza. In 
June 2005, Maria retired after 36 years of dedicated service to the Los 
Angeles Unified School District.
  Maria believes that ``to make a difference in the lives of our 
students, we must go beyond the classroom and work to improve the 
community and the environment in which they live.'' Throughout her 
career, Maria has embodied this belief and has dedicated her life to 
not only helping children learn in the classroom, but also to improving 
lives and conditions within our communities. Over the years, Maria has 
volunteered for the United Farm Workers, the Southwest Voter 
Registration Project and has devoted much of her life to serving the 
students and residents of the Northeast San Fernando Valley.
  After graduating from San Fernando Valley State College, Maria 
started teaching at San Fernando High School in 1969. During her first 
year, she was recognized as ``Intern of the Year'' by the Los Angeles 
Unified School District Internship Program Office. In 1975, she was 
hired as a Resource Teacher in the Central Office and soon became 
District Home Economics Supervisor. She pioneered the Infant Study 
Program at Ramona, Roosevelt and Locke High Schools. This program 
continues to offer free childcare for high school age parents as well 
as provide them with valuable parenting skills.
  As an assistant principal, Maria, along with a school nurse, Pam 
Wagner, established the first three school-based health clinics in 
LAUSD. The project faced much controversy and was opposed by some 
conservative organizations and churches. However, Maria knew the 
importance of providing health care to uninsured students and continued 
to work tirelessly to gain the support of students and parents. The 
proof of her efforts is overwhelmingly apparent today with over 40 
school-based or school-linked clinics which provide a low cost, 
accessible form of health care. The demand for these programs continues 
to grow.
  Among her many accomplishments, Maria Reza has distinguished herself 
as a strong female role model in the community. She has been recognized 
twice as ``Woman of the Year,'' in 1992 by State Senator David Roberti 
and again in 1998 by State Senator Richard Alarcon. She was invited to 
participate in the HOPE, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, 
leadership training and this year chaired the Adelante Mujer 
Conference, giving 300 young women the opportunity to attend career 
workshops conducted by professional Latinas.
  Maria also has the distinction of being married to my good friend 
Alex Reza, a retired educator and an extraordinary community activist 
whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for many years. She is also the 
mother of three sons, Lance, Roman and David.
  Mr. Speaker, Maria has set an admirable example for those who are 
committed to making a difference in the lives of others. It is with 
great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Maria Reza, 
a woman whose dedication and achievements are a credit to our 
community.

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