[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 48 (Thursday, March 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E717]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO DR. MELINDA HSIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2009

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Melinda Hsia of 
South Pasadena, California. Every March we celebrate Women's History 
Month in recognition of the contributions and the sacrifices made by 
our nation's women. Accordingly it is my privilege to highlight Dr. 
Hsia as a woman whose extraordinary efforts are vital to my district.
  Born in San Francisco, Melinda graduated from the University of 
California, Berkeley, with a major in Bacteriology and received her 
Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Southern California. She began 
to master the art of multi-tasking while working at the Glendale 
Adventist Medical Center for 16 years, when in addition to her medical 
pursuits, she obtained her real estate license and sold houses part-
time. By the time her children, Andrew and Chloe, were born and her 
husband, Tom, retired, Melinda had become a veteran at juggling 
multiple roles. Outside of her volunteer efforts Melinda is an avid 
gardener and a pharmacist at Costco Alhambra where she counsels 
everyone from pediatric to elderly patients.
  Melinda's children have inspired her community involvement year after 
year. She began as a PTA member at their elementary school, helping to 
coordinate talent shows, musical productions, and promotions. Once her 
children entered high school, Melinda became the South Pasadena Music 
Boosters Club President and an active member of several other 
committees which coordinate fundraisers and competitions to support 
athletic and school clubs. She is currently South Pasadena High 
School's PTSA Vice President of Programs. In this capacity, Melinda 
coordinates speaker forums such as ``Over-the-Counter Drugs and Teens'' 
and the Developing Capable Young People series. In 2007 she received 
South Pasadena High School's PTSA Volunteer of the Year award.
  In addition to her PTSA involvement, Melinda serves her community as 
repeat President of the South Pasadena Chinese American Club, which 
raises funds for local public schools and community projects. The 
American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Huntington Library's Chinese 
Garden, the South Pasadena Educational Foundation, and the Union 
Station Foundation's Adopt-A-Meal program have all benefitted from 
Melinda's exemplary philanthropic leadership. She has supplemented her 
already busy schedule with positions on South Pasadena School 
District's Real Estate and Budget Advisory Committees and sits on the 
Board of Directors for the City's Chamber of Commerce.
  Melinda's handiwork adorns the entire South Pasadena community, 
whether as a refurbished classroom or as a floral centerpiece, and her 
selfless service is an invaluable addition to the legacy of Women's 
History Month. Her devotion has even created a new generation of 
volunteers: daughter Chloe was recently named a Bronze and Silver 
Congressional Award Medalist. With gratitude and admiration, I ask all 
Members of Congress to join me in honoring an extraordinary woman of 
California's 29th Congressional District, Dr. Melinda Hsia.

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