October 30, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 172 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DR. WILLIAM CHUN-HOON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JUDY CHU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2019

  Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of Dr. William Chun-Hoon, who passed away on October 1, 2019 at 
the age of 91. Dr. Chun-Hoon was a lifelong leader in his community, 
utilizing his role as the first Chinese-American principal in Los 
Angeles Unified School District to bring people of diverse backgrounds 
together.
   Dr. Chun-Hoon was born in Honolulu on September 8, 1928 and grew up 
working in his parents' grocery stores before moving to Los Angeles to 
become a teacher. Initially, he served as a history and English teacher 
in East Los Angeles, before becoming an Assistant Principal for 
Counseling for two middle schools in the San Fernando Valley.
   In 1973, Dr. Chun-Hoon was appointed as principal of Castelar 
Elementary School, a position he held for the next 19 years. As the 
first Chinese-American principal in Los Angeles Unified School 
District, he implemented a variety of initiatives to ensure that the 
school would be a center for community and engagement. At Castelar, Dr. 
Chun-Hoon spearheaded a pilot program that allowed students to study 
either a Chinese or Spanish bilingual curriculum, fostering an 
environment where students of diverse backgrounds could flourish and 
learn. At the same time, he provided adult classes for the parents and 
grandparents of these children, giving them an opportunity to improve 
their language skills. He allowed community organizations like the 
Chinese Historical Society and the Friends of the Chinese American 
Museum to use Castelar as a space where people living both inside and 
outside of Chinatown could meet, organize, and provide services to the 
community. Dr. Chun-Hoon also coordinated with other Chinatown leaders 
to establish the first public library in the community.
   Dr. Chun-Hoon is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Marjorie; 
their children, Craig and Kristina; and their grandchildren, Sarah, 
Carly, James, and Scott. He leaves behind an enduring legacy of 
dedication, inclusion, and service to Los Angeles and the San Gabriel 
Valley. Dr. Chun-Hoon is an inspiration to all who knew him, and it is 
my distinct honor to commemorate his life.

                          ____________________