[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 91 (Tuesday, June 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ARCELLE DANESE THOMAS

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                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2015

  Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Arcelle Danese 
Thomas, who passed away peacefully on April 7, 2015, at the age of 99.
  Arcelle moved to Los Angeles in 1937, and remained a resident of the 
county for the rest of her life. After graduating from California State 
University Los Angeles, she worked as a teacher for the Los Angeles 
Unified School District and spent 30 years teaching children general 
education at South Park Elementary School. Outside of the classroom, 
Arcelle worked to improve childhood education by serving as the 
President of the American Childhood Education Institute.
  An active member of the community, Arcelle became a lifetime member 
of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Even in her later years, she led her 
senior citizen's center community group, which further demonstrates her 
initiative and commendable leadership qualities.
  Arcelle was one of ten brothers and sisters. While she was born in 
Albuquerque, New Mexico, she spent the majority of her life in Southern 
California where she raised a family with her husband of 63 years. She 
is survived by her sister, daughter, and loving grandchildren.
  For her contributions to the community and for her many other 
achievements, I would like to honor Arcelle Danese Thomas and her 
family.

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