[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 154 (Thursday, October 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING HEATHER CHRISTENSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM MATHESON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 22, 2009

  Mr. MATHESON. Madam Speaker, Utah has lost a local treasure with the 
passing of Ms. Heather Christensen of American Fork, Utah.
  Heather Christensen is remembered by her joyfulness. Her friends and 
family said she was always smiling, laughing, and positive. As the 
woodwind section instructor for the American Fork High School band, she 
was known to work 18 hours a day. Heather was known to arrive at school 
early in order to help individual students and make sure they had a 
good experience. Her close friends said she believed in positive 
reinforcement as a way to motivate students.
  Heather died trying to save 46 American Fork high school band 
students on October 12, 2009. A bus carrying the band crashed on 
Interstate 15 as they were returning after winning a competition at 
Idaho State University in Pocatello. After witnessing the bus driver 
pass out, she reached for the wheel and tried to steer the bus back to 
the road but fell out a window as the vehicle rolled. About 30 students 
sustained minor injuries, but thanks to Heather's fast action, none had 
life-threatening injuries.
  Heather was a very talented young woman, who played multiple 
instruments and sang. Her family said she could play any instrument by 
ear and had perfect pitch. She was said to have been living her dream 
by working with the nationally recognized American Fork High band.
  Heather grew up in American Fork and was the third of six children. 
She was the drum major at American Fork High School, and was also the 
student conductor for the school's a cappella choir. She went on to 
become a drum director at the University of Utah, where she earned both 
a bachelor's and masters in music education.
  People have called Heather's actions heroic and I want to take a 
moment to honor this Utahn for her courage.

                          ____________________