[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E279-E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING SUPERINTENDENT SANDY THORSTENSON

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 29, 2012

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor my good friend Sandy Thorstenson for her leadership and 
dedication as Superintendent to the Whittier Union High School 
District.
  Born and raised in Whittier, CA, Sandy has served as Superintendent 
of the Whittier Union High School District for 10 years. She is a 
graduate of Whittier High School and Whittier College with her Master's 
Degree in Education from California State University, Fullerton. Sandy 
started her 34-year career in the Whittier Union High School District 
as a teacher and quickly ascended to Assistant Principal, Principal, 
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, and ultimately 
Superintendent.
  Under her leadership, Sandy has spearheaded Whittier Union's 
transformation into a high-achieving district with five comprehensive 
high schools serving 13,400 students from socio-economically diverse 
backgrounds. Sandy's ``whatever it takes'' attitude has ensured student 
achievement for all students, resulting in state and national 
recognition. Whittier Union High School District has demonstrated 
remarkable gains in student achievement at every school, becoming one 
of the top school districts in Los Angeles County.
  Sandy is an active advocate for quality and equity in public 
education at the local, state, and national level as a member of many 
professional and community organizations. She currently serves on the 
California State Superintendents' Council, the Pivot Learning Partners 
Board and is the current President of California City Superintendents 
Association. She is also a member of the Soroptimist International of 
Whittier, Whittier College Corporate

[[Page E280]]

Council, and a past member of the Whittier Chamber of Commerce Board of 
Directors.
  Due to these outstanding achievements for the school district and 
beyond, Sandy has been selected as California's National Superintendent 
of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators.
  Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring 
this extraordinary woman whose love and dedication to our students is 
overwhelmingly obvious. Let us congratulate her on her many 
accomplishments to the Whittier Union High School District and our 
community.

                          ____________________