VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR TO BE HONORED AS “2008 WOMAN OF THE YEAR”

Legislative

Women’s Caucus

to honor recipients at State Capitol

Today, Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia (R–Cathedral City) announced Helayne Van Houten has been selected as the 80th Assembly District’s “Woman of the Year”. Mrs. Van Houten has dedicated her entire career to education, helping thousands of students in the Palm Springs Unified School District.

On Monday, March 10, 2008, she will join women from every Assembly and Senate district at the State Capitol where they will be honored at a ceremony sponsored by the Legislative Women’s Caucus. She will be accompanied by her husband of 33 years, Alexander Van Houten.

Helayne Van Houten started her career as a teacher at Palm Springs High School in 1982, and was instrumental in launching the Peer Counseling program for the Palm Springs Unified School District. During her career, Helayne taught a variety of subjects, including Civics, Economics, United States History, and World Civilization. In 1991, Helayne moved into counseling, where today she continues to guide Cathedral City High School students towards their dreams.

She is most proud of her involvement and initiation of the very successful AVID program (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a rigorous academic program which helps prepare students who may be the first in their family to pursue college.

Helayne Van Houten is a graduate of California State University-San Bernardino, where she received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and History, and a Masters Degree in Education.