[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1604-E1605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING DR. PAT STROH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2012

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise with my 
colleagues Congressman John Garamendi, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, 
Congressman Jerry McNerney, and Congressman Pete Stark to recognize Dr. 
Pat Stroh, the Director of the Family and Children's Services Program 
in Contra Costa County and congratulate her on her well-earned 
retirement.
  Dr. Stroh earned her Master's Degree from Ball State University and 
her Doctorate in Education Early Childhood Focus from Walden 
University. Prior to coming to Contra Costa County in 1998, she served 
as Director of Head Start in Lexington, Kentucky and directed a U.S. 
Army Child Development Program in Europe.
  Over the years, Dr. Stroh's outstanding work in public service has 
demonstrated her strong commitment to the children and families of 
Contra Costa County. Under her leadership, Contra Costa's Head Start 
Child Development Program's enrollment more than doubled and expanded 
from a part-day, part-year schedule to close to a full-day, full-year 
program. In addition, during very difficult economic times, Dr. Stroh 
was also able to more than double the program budget.
  Dr. Stroh's interest and influence extends well beyond our county's 
borders. As a member of the Board of the National Head Start 
Association as well as the California Head Start Association, she has 
worked diligently to enhance and expand the collaborative efforts of 
these organizations. Pat has also served as Validator and Mentor with 
the National Association for the Education of Young Children. As a 
result, the United States Congress was quick to recognize Dr. Stroh as 
the 2008 California Head Start Association Administrator of the Year 
for Invaluable Service to the Community.
  Our community and Dr. Stroh's colleagues have honored her numerous 
times, recognizing her passion for children and her ability to develop 
programs that improve their chance of success in the world. As we well 
recognize, the success of our children bodes well for the success of 
our families and our entire community.
  Today, we invite our colleagues to join us in honoring Dr. Pat Stroh 
once again for her dedicated service to the families and children of 
Contra Costa County. We are pleased to join her family, colleagues and 
friends in congratulating her on a long and highly successful career 
and wish her a happy and healthy retirement.

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