[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO SANDRA LEE THOMPSON

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 18, 2007

  Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Sandra Lee 
Thompson for her commitment and dedication to the Las Vegas community 
and being selected by the Clark County School Board to have an 
elementary school named in her honor.
  Sandra Lee Thompson was born in Hanover, Pennsylvania in 1948 and was 
one of six children. She attended DeLone Catholic High School and then 
graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Social 
Work. She began her career as a reporter in Connecticut, where she met 
her husband Gary Thompson in 1973. The couple had one daughter, Kelly, 
who was the pride and joy of her parents. In 1978, Sandra and her 
husband moved to Las Vegas and began a long career with the Las Vegas 
Sun Newspaper. Sandra started out working as a copy and features editor 
and eventually became managing editor. In 1997, she was promoted to 
Vice President/Associate Editor for the Las Vegas Sun.
  While working for the Las Vegas Sun, Sandra was able to incorporate 
her love for children into her job. She held hands-on workshops for 
local high school students at the Sun Youth Forum and she routinely 
lectured in schools around the valley to educate youth on the field of 
journalism. Sandra spent the last five years of her career focusing on 
issues relating to children and families. She was the only journalist 
in the state to write regularly about children and family issues. Her 
unwavering commitment to families earned her a reputation for being 
``the voice of the children'' in Nevada. Sandra's efforts to draw 
attention to important family issues led to legislative changes in 
child welfare programs and an increase in the cap on child support 
payments.
  Sandra's commitment to children and the family permeated her life. 
She was truly dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth. 
In addition to her professional commitment to these issues, she was 
actively involved in a variety of community organizations and service 
projects. She focused much of her time in Clark County mentoring 
students and encouraging them to succeed. She actively participated in 
projects such as the Las Vegas Sun Camp Fund, Christmas in April, 
Children's Advocacy Alliance, Clark County Family Court, Raising Nevada 
and Class! Publications. Additionally, her leadership on the subject of 
children and family inspired the creation of a scholarship program for 
Class! Publications and the Mother of the Year Contest.
  On August 9th, 2002, Sandra tragically died in an automobile 
accident. She left a lasting legacy of compassion, service and devotion 
to children. Her leadership and her steadfast commitment to enriching 
the lives of others have truly made a difference in Southern Nevada.
  Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to honor Sandra Lee Thompson for her 
profound commitment to children and the family. I am proud that the 
Clark County School District has chosen to recognize her outstanding 
contribution to Clark County by naming the Sandra Thompson Elementary 
School in her honor. I wish the Thompson family and the students, 
teachers, and administrators at Thompson Elementary the very best as 
they celebrate the dedication of this special school. I am certain that 
this educational establishment will live up to the legacy Sandra 
Thompson has left behind.

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