[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 79 (Thursday, June 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            HONORING THE CAREER OF PRINCIPAL WILLIE SANDOVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 2013

  Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
career of Principal Willie Sandoval, who is retiring after dedicating 
45 years of his life to the Kern High School District in California.
   In 1968, Willie began as a teacher and--how I remember him best--a 
coach at Bakersfield High School, my alma mater. In the mid-1980s 
during my time at BHS, Coach Sandoval taught me the importance of 
perseverance and a constant desire to learn, both on and off the field.
   By 1997, Willie was eligible for retirement. Instead, his passion 
for educating our young people led him to take on new challenges and 
continue to serve Bakersfield students. He is the only principal in 
Kern High School District's history to open two new schools--Golden 
Valley High School and Independence High School. And as principal of 
Independence, he was constantly innovating new opportunities and 
educational experiences for his students. For example, Willie partnered 
with the California Department of Energy and PG&E to found the New 
Energy Academy, which infuses career technical education into our 
students' traditional academic endeavors at Independence. Coach 
Sandoval is a living example of the mantra ``never give up.''
   Though his tenure in the education system comes to an end, his 
legacy will forever be found in the halls of our schools. President 
John F. Kennedy once said, ``After the dust of centuries has passed 
over our cities, we will be remembered not for victories or defeats in 
battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.'' 
Mr. Speaker, Principal Willie Sandoval's contribution to the human 
spirit through the education of our young Americans is truly admirable. 
Throughout his illustrious career, he has remained steadfast to his 
vision, passion, and advocacy for education.
   I wish Willie well in retirement. And, as he enters this new chapter 
in his life, I know he is looking forward to spending more time with 
his wife Nettie, their daughter Carrie, son William, and his four 
grandchildren. On behalf of thousands of parents and students, I salute 
and honor a truly exceptional teacher, coach, principal, and leader in 
our community, Willie Sandoval, who leaves a legacy of hope, education, 
and inspiration through Kern County and the State of California.

                          ____________________