[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E260-E261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE LIFE OF PHIL COTT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TED LIEU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 2020

  Mr. TED LIEU of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 
life of Mr. Phil Cott, a beloved member of California's 33rd 
Congressional District, who passed away at the age of 68 on February 6, 
2020 after a decade-long bout with kidney cancer. Phil served as the 
principal of Webster Elementary School in Malibu, California for more 
than 20 years, capping off a storied career as an educator, lawyer, and 
administrator.

[[Page E261]]

  Born on July 2, 1951 in Los Angeles, California, Phil attended Venice 
High School and the University of California, Los Angeles. After 
graduating, Phil taught for 14 years in Culver City as an elementary 
school teacher and served as president of his teachers' union for six 
years.
  Phil then decided on a bold mid-career pivot, attending law school at 
night and eventually becoming a lawyer. He also served as a Los Angeles 
County deputy District Attorney, where he had numerous successes in the 
courtroom. However, Phil told friends that he missed working in public 
education and returned as an administrator, beginning his tenure as the 
principal of Webster Elementary School in 1990.
  As principal, Phil introduced innovative projects and ideas to the 
benefit of Webster's students, including Websterville, an annual re-
creation of a colonial American village. Phil also led annual trips to 
Yosemite National Park and was key in establishing the school's 
computer lab. Phil was known among Webster's teaching staff for 
encouraging individuality and creativity in the classroom and 
contributing to a warm and friendly environment for the students.
  Phil is survived by his wife, Charlee; children Rachel and Daniel; 
and grandchildren, Heaven and Paris. May his compassion, leadership, 
and devotion to those around him live on in the students he inspired 
and educators he helped nurture over his 37-year career.

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