[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 43 (Friday, March 14, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E394-E395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO ALEXANDRA HELFRICH--28TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF 
                                THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 14, 2014

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History 
Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and 
sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to 
outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional 
District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Alexandra 
Helfrich of Burbank.
   When her eldest daughter began elementary school, Ms. Helfrich 
learned that the school did not have any arts programs. She began to 
fundraise and sought out grant opportunities to bring arts education 
back into the classroom. Ms. Helfritch worked with other parents, the 
PTA and Booster organizations to provide opportunities so every Burbank 
Unified School District (BUSD) student could experience music, visual 
art, theater, dance, and media arts. Through these collaborations, art 
programs became available at schools during the school day and after 
school as well.
   Ms. Helfrich has served as a member of the Board of Directors for 
the Burbank Arts For All Foundation since 2007 and served as its co-
chair from 2010 to 2013. The Burbank Arts For All Foundation works to 
ensure every student in Burbank public schools receives a quality arts 
education as a part of their core curriculum. To support the 
foundation's mission, Ms. Helfrich continues to serve on its Executive 
Committee. Ms. Helfrich's volunteer efforts have provided opportunities 
as well as increased access for children to become creative learners.
   Ms. Helfrich has also served the Burbank Unified School District as 
a parent representative to the District Safety Committee, where she 
helped update the Special Education Parent Handbook. She is currently 
serving on the District Local Control Accountability Plan Committee. In 
addition, Ms. Helfrich, who is a committed school fundraiser, has 
consistently served on Booster Club Boards since 2007.
   Ms. Helfrich is married to Mark Helfrich, a feature film editor and 
director, and they have two teenage daughters.
   I ask all Members to join me in honoring an exceptional woman of 
California's 28th Congressional District, Alexandra Helfrich.

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