Recognizing Howard Martin Chase

RECOGNIZING HOWARD MARTIN CHASE -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 19, 2004)

SPEECH OF HON. MIKE THOMPSON OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2004

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the significant achievements of Howard Martin Chase, the principal of Riviera Elementary School in Kelseyville, California.

Howard Martin Chase earned his Bachelors of Arts and Elementary Teaching Credential from California State University, Chico. Anxious to educate and serve, after graduation Mr. Chase became an elementary teacher in the Fairfield-Suison Unified School District.

Mr. Chase returned to school to pursue a postgraduate degree. He received his Administrative Services Credential in 1984 from California State University, Sacramento. He went on to serve as Principal at Kelseyville Primary School, Gard St. Elementary School and Riviera Elementary School. In 2003, he earned his Masters Degree in Education from Ashwood University.

It is not surprising that Mr. Chase is also very active in his community outside of his duties as principal. He has served as a board member of the Lake County Red Cross, acted as president of the Kelseyville Park Association, is a founding member of the Kelseyville Quality Educational Foundation and has served as chairperson for numerous committees for the Kelseyville School District.

Mr. Chase has also been involved in many fundraising events within Lake County. Through his efforts as an auctioneer, he helped raise over $1.5 million dollars for charities, schools and many nonprofit groups. He established the first Educational-Business Partnership in Lake County. This partnership between Lake County Schools and Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa has resulted in over $600,000 being donated to local schools.

Mr. Chase has already received several awards of recognition. The California State Senate named Mr. Chase the California Educator of the Year in 1996, and he was named Man of the Year for Lake County in March of 2004.
Mr. Chase is devoted to his family. He and his wife Pat have been married for over 20 years. They have one child, Jessica, and two grandchildren, Jenee and Aliyah. After the passing of his mother, Mr. Chase placed a sign in front of the school in her memory that says, "Welcome To A Place Where Everyone Is Special."

Mr. Speaker, because of the many contributions Howard Chase has made to his community, it is proper for us to honor him today as he moves on to his new position as superintendent of North County Joint Union School District in Hollister, California, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

END