[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 22 (Monday, February 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK

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                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 8, 2016

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week I 
introduced a resolution recognizing February 1-5th as National School 
Counseling Week. This resolution is an important one; school counselors 
are critical to the success of our students, particularly the ones who 
are at a high risk of dropping out.
  We ask much of our counselors. The recommended counselor to student 
ratio is one to 250, while the national average is almost double that; 
one to 482. Each year, only 80% of students are graduating from high 
school. Schools desperately need more counselors who can put students 
on the path to success by ensuring they have the tools they need to 
graduate.
  In the spirit of properly recognizing hardworking school counselors 
across the country, today I wish to honor the work of an incredible 
school counselor and administrator from Montebello Unified School 
District, Andy Costello. Recently retired, he spent much of his career 
working for Montebello Unified, and has become a pillar of our 
community.
  Mr. Costello has a passion for supporting and uplifting students and 
their families. Always going above and beyond to make sure families 
received the best guidance and support possible. Now retired, Andy 
continues to be engaged with the community. Mr. Costello is involved in 
counseling associations, and the college access program, College Bound 
Today, at Montebello Unified.
  It is important to recognize leaders like Mr. Costello. The true 
heroes of our community. The ones that help make our future brighter, 
by uplifting the next generation. He has had an immense impact on our 
community.

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