[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 125 (Thursday, July 20, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E703-E704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. ALEITA HUGUENIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 2023

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
lasting contributions of Mrs. Aleita Huguenin. Passing away at the age 
of 77, Mrs. Huguenin leaves behind an indelible legacy as an educator, 
mentor, activist and friend.
  Born in Durango, Colorado in 1946, to 2 teachers, Mrs. Huguenins love 
for education and learning flourished from a young age. In the late 
1960s, she moved with her family to Walnut Creek, beginning what would 
become a lifelong residency in California. After earning her bachelor's 
degree from San Francisco State University, Mrs. Huguenin began 
teaching elementary and middle school in the Mount Diablo Unified 
School District of Concord, California. Throughout her tenure as a 
teacher, she demonstrated a steadfast dedication to her students and 
strived to ensure they had the resources necessary. to achieve their 
full potential.
  Driven by her passion for activism and sincere belief in the 
importance of collective bargaining, Mrs. Huguenin served as the 
president of her local teacher's union, leading her fellow teachers in 
their first strike. Her critical work as a grassroots organizer and 
community leader, left an everlasting mark not only on Contra Costa 
County, but also California. For more than 40 years, Mrs. Huguenin 
served her country and community with an unwavering sense of justice 
and fairness. She consistently advocated for women's rights and 
equality for all, never failing to stand up for others and uphold the 
democratic values our country was founded on.
  While exhibiting leadership as a community leader and advocate, Mrs. 
Huguenin also played a pivotal role in the California Teachers 
Association. For over 2 decades, Mrs. Huguenin impacted thousands of 
California educators. teaching them how to effectively serve future 
generations of students. As part of her critical work transforming 
California's education system, Mrs. Huguenin spearheaded the founding 
of the California Teachers Association Summer Institute, an innovative 
training program helping teachers learn how best to address the ever-
changing needs of today's students.
  In addition to her leadership in the education and community 
organizing fields, Mrs. Huguenin exemplified the spirit of altruism and 
innovation in all areas of her life. Mrs. Huguenin will be remembered 
not only for her decades of service to Contra Costa students and 
California teachers, but also for her genuine spirit of kindness and 
compassion. She

[[Page E704]]

left an everlasting mark on her friends, students, mentees, and the 
greater California education system.
  Mrs. Huguenin's enduring spirit will live on in her husband, son, 2 
granddaughters, stepson, brother, sister-in-law, and nephew. I would 
like to extend my deepest sympathies to Mrs. Huguenin's loved ones. I 
know that they, along with the people of Contra Costa County, join me 
in celebrating her life and legacy.

                          ____________________