[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 20, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF MRS. IDA JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
achievements of Mrs. Ida Johnson. Mrs. Johnson dedicated her career to 
serving her community, both in education and as an advocate for low 
income youth and families in Merced County. Mrs. Johnson was passionate 
about the pursuit of equality, driven by her love and compassion for 
others, and committed to creating opportunities for students and 
teachers in Merced County.
  Mrs. Johnson was born in Nashville, Tennessee. She attended the 
University of San Francisco, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in 
Human Relations and Organizational Behavior in 1984. Mrs. Johnson then 
continued her education at Chapman University, where she received a 
Master's degree in Educational Systems Management in 1988. She worked 
on gender equity as Director and Coordinator for the California 
Department of Education for almost 12 years, and also worked for 33 
years for the Merced County Schools in various capacities, including 
teaching computing and business classes.
  Beyond her professional career, Mrs. Johnson was elected to the 
Merced Union High School Governing Board in 2005, where she served 8 
years as a Trustee. Additionally, Mrs. Johnson was involved with 
numerous community and educational organizations, including the Boys 
and Girls Club, League of Women Voters, and the 4-H Club. She also 
worked with the Merced Equals Program, where she spent countless hours 
providing teachers, parents, and students with the tools necessary to 
improve math skills within the county, and she secured a significant 
amount of grant money.
  With Mrs. Johnson's passing, the Merced community mourns her loss but 
also rejoices in her lasting impact and legacy. The lives Mrs. Johnson 
touched with her career in education and devotion to her community will 
not be forgotten. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, 
friends, colleagues, and neighbors.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life 
and achievements of Mrs. Ida Johnson. Mrs. Johnson's achievements 
cannot be measured through grants or educational programs, but in the 
lives she touched. Mrs. Johnson's trajectory as an educator has given 
students and teachers in Merced County a role model to admire and 
emulate as they move towards the future.

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