[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING VANESSA IAQUINTA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2015

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the 
conclusion of National School Counseling Week to honor a deserving 
school counselor in my district. Vanessa Iaquinta joined Norwalk High 
School in 1998, and is the heart and soul of the school's counseling 
team. She has made a tremendous impact on the lives of Norwalk students 
because she believes that every one of them should be given the tools 
necessary to succeed in both college and life.
  Ms. Iaquinta works with parents to make sure they feel included and 
informed about their child's education. Vanessa and her team have 
developed a personalized and comprehensive approach that meets the 
academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary needs of each and every 
Norwalk High School student. She goes above and beyond, even using 
social media to stay connected with graduates, reminding them of 
application deadlines for student aid and scholarships.
  Vanessa is also the counselor for AVID, a program that helps students 
who have shown the potential to succeed but need a little extra help. 
She meets with students, and coordinates with teachers to make sure 
their individual needs are being met.
  This year, Vanessa agreed to be the counselor for the newly 
established Project Lead the Way which exposes students to the field of 
biomedicine. In the few short months since Vanessa has undertaken this 
role, the program has expanded, interest has increased, and students 
are thriving.
  Norwalk High School is a special place because of dedicated 
professionals like Vanessa. In honor of National School Counselors 
Week, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking all the school 
counselors who are making a positive impact in the lives of our 
students.

                          ____________________