[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 132 (Wednesday, July 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF CAROL MILLS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 28, 2021

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Carol 
Mills. Carol passed away on July 20, 2021 after battle Lou Gehrig's 
Disease (ALS). Carol was a mother, daughter, and dear friend.
  Carol was the daughter of hard-working parents and was the first in 
her family to graduate from college. She graduated from the University 
of California, Riverside and earned a Juris Doctorate from the 
University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.
  In 1996, Carol was employed as a Lead Appellate Court Attorney to the 
Fifth District Court of Appeal. Before working with the court, Carol 
worked for five years in a branch of the U.S. Department of Justice.
  Carol was first elected to serve as a board trustee for Fresno 
Unified School District in 2004. For 17 years, Carol served as trustee 
for Area 5. During her career, she was an advocate for student programs 
such as the International Baccalaureate program, Career Technical 
Education, art, and athletics. During the coronavirus pandemic, Carol 
advocated for after-school programs to be made available to every 
student.
  Carol fought and served as an advocate for those with disabilities 
and served as a role model for those around the Central Valley. She was 
dedicated to her role and put her heart into every school policy and 
matter. Carol would give the board a historical viewpoint on current 
systems and practices with Fresno Unified Schools and would frequently 
offer her knowledge on legal matters. Her commitment to serving others 
and making the District the best it could be will continued to be felt 
throughout the Valley.
  She was a member of the Delegate Assembly for the California School 
Boards Association and was an active member of the Fresno High 
Neighborhood Association. She is survived by her family, and her son, 
Sam.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Carol Mills. Her service and contributions to the Central Valley and 
the State of California will be missed. I join her family and friends 
in celebrating Carol's life.

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