[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 167 (Thursday, December 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2156-E2157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO RAY ABRIL, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 16, 2010

  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute 
to an outstanding friend, mentor and community leader, Mr. Ray Abril, 
Jr. Ray passed away on December 14, 2010.
  Born in Colton, California on June 5, 1932, Ray was raised in South 
Colton where he dedicated his life to his community and to the 
improvement of education in the Colton Joint Unified School District.
  Ray graduated from Colton High School in 1950. A veteran of the 
Korean War, he courageously served four years in the Navy.
  Ray first became involved in education in the early 1970's, motivated 
to serve because of the poor state of many local schools at the time. 
In 1973 he won his first election to the Colton Joint Unified School 
Board.
  Ray often liked to joke that he had a PhD from USC, ``The University 
of South Colton.'' Throughout his 28 year career with the Colton School 
Board, Ray played an important part in improving schools. During his 
time as board member he worked to improve student performance, enhance 
school safety and increase the number of college-bound students.
  A strong advocate for education, Ray was instrumental in advising me 
on many legislative policy decisions over the years, including my PROUD 
Act. As a board member, Ray became affectionately known as ``The 
Godfather of the Colton Joint Unified School District.'' He held the 
office of Clerk for thirteen years and served as Board President for 
six years. Ray retired from the Colton Joint Unified Board of Education 
after 28 years of dedicated service.
  Because of Ray's lifelong commitment to education, the Colton Joint 
Unified School Board decided to recognize him by including his name in 
the campus of the new high school in Grand Terrace. When complete, the 
school will be known as the Grand Terrace High School at the Ray Abril, 
Jr. Educational Complex.
  An active member of the community, Ray was involved in a number of 
organizations including the San Bernardino Countywide Gangs and Drugs 
Task Force, the Knights of Columbus and the San Bernardino County 
Superintendent of Schools Advisory Committee. Ray was also a co-founder 
of the Mexican-American Parent & Student Organization, a group that 
advocated educational improvements in Colton.
  His legacy of work on local issues such as the BNSF rail crossing and 
his founding of Colton First had a lasting impact on communities across 
the Inland Empire. After his many years of service, Ray was awarded the 
Assistance League of San Bernardino's ``Living Legend Award'' during 
its 50th anniversary celebration.
  Ray was a loving family man. He and his beloved wife Hortensia were 
married for 53 years before her unfortunate passing. Ray leaves behind 
his daughters Melinda Medina, Rebecca Gonzales, Nellie Carnero as well 
as his three sons, Nick, Michael and Dominic. He also leaves behind 19 
grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.
  The thoughts and prayers of my wife, Barbara, Mayor pro tem Joe Baca, 
Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, Jennifer and I are with his family at this time. 
I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a superb American citizen 
and dedicated community leader. He will be greatly missed and I extend 
my sincere condolences to his extended family upon the very sad loss of 
Mr. Ray Abril, Jr.

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