[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DEANNA ESPINA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 2010

  Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Deanna 
Espina, who has managed the San Lorenzo School District's Indian 
Education Program for over 35 years.
  Deanna is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation in Washington 
State. Her tribal name is ``Speelyi,'' which means ``Coyote.'' Deanna 
and her husband, Joe, have been married for 56 years; their four 
children all graduated from San Lorenzo High School.
  Deanna's career at the San Lorenzo School District began in 1974, the 
first year of the Title IV Indian Education Program. More than 35,000 
students have attended Deanna's presentations at the Native American 
Museum during her three decades of managing the program.
  Deanna's achievements and honors are numerous. She is the founding 
member of the Bay Area Indian Education Council; was recognized as 
Administrator of the Year by the National Indian Education Association; 
received Distinguished Educator of the Year for Indian Education from 
the State of California; received Indian Education Showcase Award from 
the U.S. Department of Education for one of the best Indian Education 
Programs in the country; and received the Honored Elder Award from the 
California Indian Education Conference. The San Lorenzo School 
District's Indian Education Program has received commendations from the 
Alameda County Superintendent of Schools, The California Congress of 
Parents, Teachers and Students and a Congressional Record tribute on 
the 25th anniversary of the Titled Indian Education Programs.
  Additionally, Deanna is one of the first Native American women 
elected to the National Board of the YWCA. She is a member of the 
California Teachers Association, National Education Association, and 
the Association of California School Administrators. She is also a 
founding member of the Oakland Museum's Cultural and Ethnic Affairs 
Guild.
  Deanna's leadership and vision have allowed Native American programs 
to thrive throughout Alameda County. Her commitment has raised the 
community's awareness of the history and richness of Native American 
culture. I join many others in thanking Deanna Espina for her exemplary 
contributions to our community.

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