SACRAMENTO - Assemblyman Jose Solorio's (D-Anaheim) choice for his Sixty-Ninth Assembly District's Woman of the Year honors is one of Anaheim's brightest stars in education.

"I would like to personally thank Debra Schroeder for 24 years of making a difference in the lives of our children," says Solorio. "Her passion for education extends way beyond school-yard fences as she reaches out to the whole community."

Assemblyman Solorio escorts Woman of the Year honoree Debra Schroeder to the historic California Assembly floor. Publications: click for high resolution image.

Schroeder was honored by the California State Assembly in an all-day event at the Capitol. After a breakfast with Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, Assemblyman Solorio escorted her to the Assembly floor. There, she was recognized for making "California a better place" as Assemblyman Solorio and Speaker-elect Karen Bass presented her with a framed certificate.

Schroeder, currently the principal of Gauer Elementary in the Anaheim City School District, has spent the majority of her career in schools serving Latino children from financially struggling families. Through teaching, leading, volunteer efforts and mentoring, Debra has achieved positive results in changing in the relationships English-learner families have with their children's school.

"Recent immigrant families aren't used to coming on to school grounds and participating in their children's education," Schroeder says. "Often that is not allowed in their native countries. So, we walk the neighborhood, outreach and build trust. Our efforts are working."

As the principal of a Year 5 Program Improvement School, it falls on Schroeder to build a climate of high expectations and academic excellence through the combined efforts of the staff, students, parents and community

"Debbie believes in the potential of her students. She is a dedicated champion of hope," Solorio added. Schroeder was a natural choice for the Woman of the Year honor, as Assemblyman Solorio shares her optimism that education can be a positive and productive experience for all children in the district.

Assemblyman Jose Solorio represents the Sixty-Ninth Assembly District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, and Santa Ana. He is also Chairman of the Assembly Public Safety Committee. For more information about Assemblyman Solorio, you can visit www.assembly.ca.gov/solorio.