[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 149 (Wednesday, October 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF JOANN KOOBATIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 23, 2013

  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Foothill High School's choir teacher, JoAnn Koobatian, who sadly passed 
away on Friday, October 18 after an eight-year battle with a rare form 
of cancer. She was just 47.
  JoAnn, an East Bay native, joined the faculty at Pleasanton's 
Foothill High School in 1996. She was vital to rebuilding its choir 
program, which had disappeared from the school's curriculum in the 
1980s.
  Since reviving the choir program, JoAnn's ability to connect with 
students made it extremely popular. Because of her dedication and 
passion for teaching music, she was named Pleasanton's Teacher of the 
Year for 2011.
  Even while battling cancer for many years, JoAnn continued doing what 
she loved--teaching--and she always encouraged the best from her 
students.
  Her students showed their love and devotion for their beloved teacher 
by hosting many local fundraisers to help JoAnn and her family pay for 
her medical expenses. JoAnn's legacy will continue in the lives of the 
students she touched.
  I want to express my deepest condolences to JoAnn's husband Richard 
and daughter Amanda. JoAnn will be missed dearly. Her life is truly an 
inspiration to students, faculty, and the entire Foothill community.

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