[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 136 (Friday, September 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ANN M. SOLDO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 14, 2007

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of a 
truly exceptional member of her community. On this day we celebrate 
Mrs. Ann M. Soldo's 50 years of service and membership in Soroptimist 
International of Watsonville, as well as the many other important 
accomplishments and contributions she has made for the city of 
Watsonville. Over the years she has been an invaluable asset to the 
community. She has served as an educator of our youth, a leader in 
local politics, and as a member of countless clubs and organizations. 
All of these activities speak volumes about her commitment to improving 
the lives of others.
  Ann began her education in Watsonville, California at Pajaro 
Elementary School and later studied at Watsonville Union High School. 
She received her associate of arts degree from Hartnell College in 1940 
and a bachelor of arts degree from San Jose State University in 1942. 
Upon graduating, Ann began a career in education, teaching at the Hall 
District School. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Ann taught at several 
other elementary schools, including a U.S. Army School in Germany. In 
1954 she received her master's degree from Stanford University and 
eventually moved from teacher to principal, constantly demonstrating 
her penchant for leadership. After years of educating young minds, she 
finally retired from Pajaro Valley Unified School District in 1978.
  Although she had completed her career in education, Ann continued to 
demonstrate exemplary leadership in the community. In 1979 she was 
elected to the Watsonville City Council and was appointed vice-mayor. 
In 1983 Ann made history when she became the first female mayor of the 
city of Watsonville.
  Ann has contributed countless hours to community organizations in the 
pursuit of helping others. She has been a president of the Seniors 
Council of Santa Cruz County, Soroptimist International of Watsonville, 
the California Elementary School Administration Central Coast Section, 
the Pajaro Valley Performing Arts Association, and the Multiple 
Sclerosis Society of Monterey Bay; to name just a few. She has also 
served as a board member for the Watsonville Community Hospital and the 
Visiting Nurse Association of Santa Cruz County and other charitable 
organizations. Mrs. Soldo is extremely well respected for her years of 
hard work and dedication to helping others. In the year 2000 the Ann 
Soldo Elementary School, named in her honor, opened its doors in 
Watsonville, California.
  Her 50 years of membership to Soroptimist International of 
Watsonville will be celebrated on September 17, 2007 with the 
declaration of this date as Ann M. Soldo Day. The mission of 
Soroptimist International is to ``improve the lives of women and girls 
in local communities and throughout the world.'' As her outstanding 
record of community service demonstrates, Ann has truly lived this 
motto throughout her years as an educator and local leader, and through 
her selfless involvement in community organizations. I am honored to 
know this amazing woman and am proud to acknowledge her tremendous 
achievements.

                          ____________________