LEUSD Board Member Honored By Sacramento Legislators

On Monday California legislators took a brief time out from the budget battles in Sacramento to honor the accomplishments of women throughout the state in their annual Woman of the Year Celebrations. 

Honorees from each of the state's 80 Assembly districts gathered in Sacramento to be recognized on the floor of the California State Assembly.

Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries (R-Lake Elsinore) honored Jeanie Corral as the 2011 Woman of the Year for the 66th Assembly District during a special ceremony at the State Capitol.  

Jeanie Corral is the Clerk of the Board for the Lake Elsinore Unified School District. She was first elected to the board in 1988.

She holds a B.A. in history from Cal State Fullerton and received her M.A. in Social History/Women's Studies, Magna Cum Laude, at the same institution, according to a news release issued by Jeffries's office.

She works for two local newspapers and is the author of several books including "If These Walls Could Speak," a 100-year history of Elsinore High School.

Corral has served on a number of district committees and is one of the organizers of the annual "Unity In the Community" parade.

Corral was introduced and escorted to the front of the Assembly chambers Monday by Jeffries and presented with a framed recognition.

Attorney General Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Debra Bowen both spoke during the ceremony, congratulating the women on their selection.

"It was my honor to recognize Jeanie Corral today for her service to our community. Her dedication to the children of Lake Elsinore and to preserving the history of our region serves as a wonderful example to citizens of the 66th Assembly District," Jeffries said.  "I have always appreciated her thoughts on educational issues and admired her dedication to public service."

"The Legislature honoring women empowers everyone to be more involved in the democratic process, it fuels our economy and encourages our hope," Corral said during her Sacramento visit. "It struck me that females do extraordinary things with ordinary measures.”