[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING MARY LASH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 16, 2009

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor 
Ms. Mary Elizabeth Lash, who is currently teaching in Paramount, 
California, in my Congressional District, and has been teaching for a 
remarkable 59 years. She is California's longest-serving credentialed 
teacher.
  Nearly all of Mary's 59 years of teaching have been in the Paramount 
Unified School District. In 1950, the Compton Unified School District 
hired Mary as a Home Economics teacher at Paramount Junior High School. 
In 1953, when Paramount formed its own unified school district, she 
took a Home Economics position at Paramount Senior High School, where 
she continues to teach today.
  In 1955, Mary began working with the high school youth organization 
known as the ``Corsairs'' as the assistant to its founder. This service 
organization remains under Mary's leadership 54 years later. She has 
influenced many young men and women into a life of service to others 
through this organization.
  Mary was also a charter organizer of Future Homemakers of America/
HERO, which is a national service organization whose goal is to develop 
citizenship, leadership, life skills, and career goals through 
competition, recognition events, and club-sponsored activities. 
Paramount High School's chapter of Future Homemakers of America/HERO 
has earned several Silver and Gold Medals in prepared speech, community 
involvement, and chapter exhibit events on both the National and State 
Levels.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today in tribute to Ms. 
Mary Elizabeth Lash as she is being honored in California for being its 
longest serving teacher. Mary has shown an enduring commitment to 
educating the youth of Paramount and providing them with the tools and 
skills needed to contribute to their communities and prosper in their 
adult lives. She truly touched the future, reaching many generations of 
students. Students, both current and past, who had the privilege of 
being in her class or in an organization she advised, will continue to 
be influenced by her example of hard work, dedication, and public 
service.

                          ____________________