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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF LAUREL BLACKETT MIRANDA
______
HON. JACKIE SPEIER
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Laurel Miranda who is
receiving the Citizen of the Year and Community Care Award from the
Associated Parents' Group of Hillsborough for her tireless work
improving the lives of children of all abilities.
For twelve years, Laurel was instrumental in shaping the Hillsborough
City Student District Special Education Program to include parent
representation, field trips and a science overnight. It is an inclusive
educational experience with opportunities on par with the General
Education Program. In addition, she was active in all other aspects of
school life, including the parent group boards at South and Crocker
schools and Art in Action. She served as president of both the
Hillsborough Schools Foundation and the Associated Parents' Group of
Hillsborough.
Laurel's intelligence, thoughtfulness, generosity and practicality
have earned her the admiration and respect of teachers, staff, parents
and students alike. She knows how to get things done.
In her advocacy for children of all abilities, she co-founded Special
Kids Parents Group of Hillsborough and was president for three years.
The group worked collaboratively with the superintendent, the school
board, the Hillsborough Schools Foundation, and APG to provide a
welcoming, supportive school and community environment for families
with children of all abilities. They helped launch three annual
signature events: Special Kids Parents Group Kick-Off Coffee, High
School Night for Parents of Special Learners, and 5th Grade Transition
Coffee for Parents of Special Learners. They improved recreational
opportunities with Hillsborough Recreation. And they represented HCSD
to San Mateo County SELPA to share ideas and strategies across school
districts. In short, Special Kids Parents Group could not have been a
more effective advocate.
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Laurel came to California and
attended Miramonte High School in Orinda. While working as a camp
counselor at John's Hopkins Center for Talented Youth in 1987, she met
her husband Steve Miranda. In 1990, Laurel earned her BA in
Quantitative Economics and English from Stanford University and in
1997, she earned her JD/MBA from UC Berkeley.
Laurel and Steve were married at Stanford Memorial Church in 1993.
She had a successful career at Oracle, Wells Fargo, and Charles Schwab.
In 2000, with the birth of Robert Miranda, Laurel fully devoted her
time to family, advocacy for children and school activities. Isabel
Miranda was born three years later and diagnosed with a rare form of
epilepsy at the age of eight months. There wasn't a group Laurel wasn't
involved in or a board she didn't serve on. Advocacy and community
engagement are part of her DNA. In her current role as a board member
of CuriOdyssey, she is promoting exclusive hours and programming for
kids with special needs and their families
Madam Speaker, I ask the members of the House of Representatives to
rise with me to recognize the long-lasting contributions Laurel Miranda
has made to the Hillsborough City School District. She is a remarkable
community leader who is effecting change in everything she touches.
____________________
