Henry Cuellar

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Marisela Galeana, of the Mercer Blumberg Learning Center of Seguin, Texas. Ms. Galeana teaches Health, Physical Education, Spanish and English as a Second Language to children in grades nine through twelve at the Learning Center. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Through her years of teaching Ms. Galeana finds that her most rewarding experience occurred four years ago when one of her students chose to honor her at the high school HERO's dinner, an annual event where top students and student leaders honor the Seguin ISD employee who has had the most positive effect on his or her life. Ms. Galeana said that she was honored, because she did not realize the influence she had on that student. She has said that to this day she has the medal she received hanging on her rearview mirror. Ms. Galeana continues to make a difference for her students, helping to turn them into successful lifelong learners. Marisela Galeana is an exemplary teacher, and a blessing to the people of Seguin. She has an excellent career ahead of her, and I wish her the best of luck.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Frio County Constable Ted Nieto for his exceptional career in law enforcement. Ted Nieto was elected as the Constable for Precinct Four in January 2004, but has been actively serving his community for the last ten years. He received his law enforcement certification at Southwest College and is currently working to obtain his police license from San Antonio College. He believes in establishing a solid law enforcement agency that is committed to the needs of the community, and has devoted his department to serve the public with honesty and integrity. Constable Nieto is an excellent example of an elected official who understands the needs of his community. The mission for his department is to promote safety in the community by enforcing court orders, supporting early intervention activities, and to work together with neighboring law enforcement agencies. Constable Nieto is a man who believes in the value of community involvement and intervention. Currently he is the District 19 region coordinator for the Special Olympics of Texas. As well as the present coordinator for the annual law enforcement torch run and the youth leader for the Catholic Youth Organization. Constable Nieto has four children, Jedlin and Christina age 18, Shantelle age 10 and Issiah age 6. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Frio County Constable Ted Nieto for his dedication and service to the community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Kimberly Brann, Barnes Middle School Teacher of the Year. Kimberly Brann graduated from Southwest Texas State University, receiving her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance. She has ten years of experience working in the business world. Ms. Brann worked in both commercial banking in San Antonio and investment banking in New York before becoming a teacher. Her unique and practical perspective helps to prepare our students for acquiring the skills they need for success. Kimberly Brann has spent the last eight years teaching. She currently works at Seguin Independent School District, teaching math at Barnes Middle School. Having formerly taught fourth grade in the same district, she has watched some of her former students grow up through middle school. It is an honor to recognize the accomplishments of Kimberly Brann. Her passion for education helps to insure that our students receive excellent and practical training that will help them succeed in the future.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of Lytle Independent School District Superintendent Michelle Carroll Smith. Ms. Smith is a product of her hometown school system. She was raised on a farm in Lytle, Texas and graduated from Lytle high school. She graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Then, after completing her Master's degree in Education Administration, she became Principal at the elementary school. She later became Assistant Superintendent, and in December 2002, she became the Superintendent of Lytle Independent School District. Ms. Smith's family has been in the Lytle school district for many years: her father Alfred Carroll graduated in 1961, and her grandmother Theresa Carroll graduated in 1940 from Lytle High School. Her children Trenton and Macy also plan to carry on the family tradition and graduate from Lytle High School in 2013 and 2016. Mr. Speaker, Lytle Independent School District Superintendent Michelle Carroll Smith is a model of community involvement, and I am pleased to have this opportunity to publicly thank her.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees Member Jose Valdez. Jose A. Valdez has a long and distinguished career in public service. He is a previous member of the City Council of Laredo, and is active in community governance in a variety of ways. He promotes community involvement by seniors as the South Texas Coordinator of RSVP, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Through his work, seniors have been given a way to continue to contribute to the community in their retirement, improving their quality of life and the quality of life of all those around them. Mr. Valdez has also been an advocate for a population that is too often forgotten by government: migrant workers. He has been Deputy Director of the Texas Migrant Council, and Executive Director of the Minnesota Migrant Council. The Laredo Independent School District now benefits from Mr. Valdez' experience and energy, as he continues his work as a Board of Trustees Member. Mr. Valdez has had an exemplary career in public service and volunteer work. He is a credit to his community, and I am proud to have had the chance to recognize him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Frio Precinct Four County Commissioner Jose ``Pepe'' Flores. Mr. Flores has a strong and varied background in public service. He graduated from Dilley High School, and from SuI Ross University in 1970 with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. He subsequently received his certification as a Medical Technician. He has worked as a drug abuse counselor, a college teacher at the University of Texas, and a Halliburton Oilfield Engineer, among other professions. He has also been part of several important community organizations, including the Tax Appraisal District, the Rio Grande Water District, and the Dilley Independent School District School Board. Mr. Flores now serves the public as County Commissioner for Frio County. He owns and operates a ranch in South Texas, and is married to Jennifer Flores, with whom he has two children. Mr. Flores has distinguished himself as an energetic, hardworking, and versatile businessman and public servant. The city of Dilley and the people of Frio County have benefited greatly from the work he has done, and I am proud to have the chance to thank him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Forty-fifth District Court Judge Barbara Hanson Nellermoe for her commitment to the Bexar County Community. For ten years, Judge Nellermoe has been representing clients in environmental, banking, securities, medical malpractice, and other types of commercial litigation. Helping others in times of need is Judge Hanson's top priority and she has done a great job of it for the people in her community. Rated A-V by the Martindale-Hubbell national legal directory, she has received such awards as the President's Award for Outstanding Service to the San Antonio Bar Association and the Belva Lockwood Outstanding Lawyer Award from the Bexar County Women's Bar Association. In addition to her total commitment to her current position as Forty- fifth District Court Judge, Barbara also serves on the board of directors for the College of the State Bar of Texas and is the Editor in Chief of San Antonio Lawyer magazine. Judge Nellermoe is an irreplaceable citizen of Bexar County. I am pleased to have the chance to honor her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions and achievements of District Clerk Manuel Gutierrez, who has served the citizens of Webb County for 24 years. Manuel Gutierrez is not only a model of professional success, but a model citizen. He has been reelected by the voters since he began his service; in fact, he has the distinction of currently being the longest-serving elected official in Webb County. He brings to his work the passion and experience he has gained over the years. He strives to improve himself through continuing education and professional enrichment. These efforts are evident through his superlative work and the trust the citizens put in him. During his tenure, he has overseen improvements to the operations of his office that resulted in increased efficiency in a number of areas, most notably the local judicial process. The community is truly appreciative of innovators who streamline functions that save the taxpayers money, and he proves this time and again. Manuel's wife, Esther, is employed with the Laredo Independent School District, and they form a couple who are dedicated to the betterment of their community. He has three children, Monica, Manuel Jr., and Miguel who doubtlessly are very proud of their parents. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to speak in honor of Manuel Gutierrez, a true citizen who deserves the praise and gratitude of his community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Jim Carson, the Seguin High School Physical Education Teacher and Head Football Coach. Coach Carson has been teaching for thirty years, two of which were spent with San Antonio Independent School District as head football coach of the Seguin Matadors. Coach Carson received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health from Texas Tech University and a Master's degree from Sul Ross State University. Coach Carson has a special place in his heart for his students, and has made a significant impact on them. Coach Carson says that the most rewarding part of being an educator is working with young people as they grow into productive citizens. He stresses that guiding and tutoring them through crucial years of their development is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. He expects the coaches who work for him to not only guide each student through their journey but to take an active part and know what is happening in each student's life. Coach Carson says that as part of a sports coaching program, ``tutoring, counseling and listening to whatever the young man or woman needs is provided.'' Through his initiative, energy, and commitment, Coach Carson proves to be an exemplary teacher and coach, and a blessing to the people in his high school and community in Seguin. I am pleased to have the chance to honor him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Ms. Wanda Kollaus, Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Ms. Kollaus has seventeen years of teaching experience. Twelve years of her career were spent with the Seguin Independent School District. She is a proud graduate of Seguin High School, and now gives back to the district that has given her so much. Ms. Kollaus has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Southwest Texas State University, with a specialization in Science. She wants her students to ``get into science,'' and works on a daily basis to develop their skills and enthusiasm. She believes strongly that learning ought to continue outside the classroom, as well. She especially enjoys involving her students in the Seguin Outdoor Learning Center, and providing hands-on learning opportunities through the Environmental Science Academies. In addition, she often stays after school to work with students on special projects, to ensure that they each reach their potential and leave school with a highly developed love for and understanding of science. Ms. Kollaus is one of our state's most enthusiastic educators, and her efforts are a credit to Seguin and to our state. I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Delia Molina, Juan Seguin Pre-kindergarten Teacher of the Year. Delia Molina received a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Education from Southwest State University. She has taught in Austin, San Marcos, and Seguin Texas; along with her time spent teaching in Fort Knox Kentucky. Highly experienced in her field, Mrs. Molina has also served as Director of the Army Child Development Center in Germany. She has over 21 years of teaching experience; her last eight years have been spent teaching at Seguin Independent School District. Mrs. Molina currently works with our district's youngest students, teaching bilingual pre-kindergarten to our kids. Over the years she has also served as a bilingual teacher supervisor, counselor, and curriculum specialist. I am proud to have had the chance to recognize Juan Seguin Pre- kindergarten's Teacher of the Year, Delia Molina. Mrs. Molina has spent her life in the service of our kids, and her hard work has insured that our bilingual students receive the special attention that they deserve.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Carol Harwood, the Patlan Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Carol Harwood is a highly qualified bilingual first grade teacher at Patlan Elementary. She received her Associate Degree from Sullins College in Virginia, and later earned both a Bachelor's Degree from SMU, and a Masters Degree from Texas Woman's University. She has spent the last 28 years gaining valuable experience in education, serving both our youth and our community. Carol Harwood worked as an assistant elementary school principal in both Dallas and Port Isabel before returning to teaching at Patlan Elementary. As a bilingual first grade teacher, Ms. Harwood understands the unique needs of our students. Her passion for teaching is complemented by both her years of experience, and her unique perspective as a former school administrator. Carol Harwood is currently being honored as the Patlan Elementary School Teacher of the Year. It is an honor to recognize the accomplishments of Carol Harwood of Patlan Elementary School. Her dedication and love of teaching has helped to ensure that our children are the real winners.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Priscilla Diaz, Jefferson Elementary Teacher of the Year. Ms. Diaz did not start out in education; originally, she received her Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Texas A&M University at Kingsville. She later returned to school at Southwest Texas State University, where she received her Master's in Education. Priscilla Diaz is one of Jefferson Elementary's newer teachers, with three years of teaching experience. Already, however, she is making an impact in her profession, and changing the lives of her fourth-grade students. Ms. Diaz believes in the importance of helping her students develop strong character. She teaches her children to be accountable for their actions, to have pride in themselves, and to fulfill the responsibilities that are assigned to them. She feels that teaching is a unique profession: both a privilege and a challenge. Ms. Priscilla Diaz has accomplished a great deal thus far, and she has a bright future ahead of her in education. By helping our children grow up as responsible and productive citizens, she is doing a tremendous favor to all of us. I am proud to have had the opportunity to recognize her for her dedication.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Melanie Huckaby, McQueeney Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Ms. Huckaby is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University, from which she received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She has seventeen years of teaching experience, in several diverse environments. After graduating college, Ms. Huckaby taught first grade for the Seguin ISD for a number of years, before moving to Los Angeles to pursue her teaching career further. She moved back to Seguin to take up the position of Library Media Specialist, which she holds today. Melanie Huckaby is a believer in the power of reading to help transform the lives of her students. She loves to read aloud to the children, and enjoys answering students' questions and helping them to learn how to find information on their own. Her passion for reading and learning serves as a wonderful example for her students. The people of Seguin are lucky to have a dedicated teacher and librarian like Melanie Huckaby looking after her students, and I am proud to have the chance to recognize her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Amanda Vernor, Ball Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Ms. Vernor holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Specialization in Reading from Southwest Texas State University. She is currently updating her credentials as a participant in the University of North Texas Master's program, where she is pursuing a degree in Information Sciences. Amanda Vernor instructs her fourth grade class in a variety of subjects: reading, writing, math, and science. She is a relatively new teacher: she has three years of experience, all with the Seguin Independent School District. She is already making a difference for her students, however, helping to turn them into successful lifelong learners. Ms. Vernor believes in challenging her students: she is known to say that ``students will live up to your lowest expectation.'' She believes that what students need is guidance in planning a course of action to achieve their goals, and she aims to provide that for them. Amanda Vernor is an exemplary teacher, and a blessing to the people of Seguin. She has an excellent career ahead of her, and I wish her the best of luck.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the accomplished career of Hector Bolanos Calzado, Junior Achievement of Laredo Business Hall of Fame Laureate. Mr. Bolanos Calzado has had a tremendously successful career as a customs broker. He is the first customs broker from Nuevo Laredo to receive this award, and the first award recipient to operate offices on both sides of the border. In 1953, Mr. Bolanos Calzado joined his family's brokerage firm at the age of 22. The firm was founded in 1928 by Don Fulgencio Bolanos Garcia, who saw tremendous potential for growth in the border region. The Bolanos firm persevered through a period of great change in Laredo, and has adapted to new technology, new laws and regulations, and the new economic situation created by the growth in trade between Mexico and the United States. Under Mr. Bolanos Calzado's care, the business has grown by almost 80 percent. He has expanded operations into Laredo, beginning with a 12,000 square-foot warehouse in 1964. He has become involved in the local banking industry, and has served on the board of directors for the International Bank of Commerce for the last 35 years. Mr. Bolanos Calzado's continues to be a major force for growth and trade in the Laredo region. His work has helped bring properity to his native city, and I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Samantha Knollhoff, Weinert Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Ms. Knollhoff has 8 years of teaching experience, 4 of which have been with the Seguin Independent School District. She acts as Weinert's counselor for kindergarten through grade five, helping students and their families deal with the adjustment to school, and begin their academic careers on the right track. Ms. Knollhoff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from Southwest Texas State University. She also brings to the table previous experience with the New Braunfels and San Marcos Independent School Districts. Samantha Knollhoff's work doesn't end at the classroom door; she is also a dedicated volunteer in her community. She is especially involved in her church: she teaches Sunday school, and assists with her church's youth activities. Ms. Knollhoff always advises her students to have hope, saying, ``Hope doesn't promise an instant solution, but rather the possibility of an eventual one.'' She is a credit to her community, and I am proud to have the chance to recognize her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Karen Quinney, Vogel Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Karen Quinney is a graduate of the University of Houston at Victoria, from which she received her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. Four of her 5 years of experience have been spent teaching in the Seguin School District. She moved into Seguin with her husband over 4 years ago, and has since dedicated her time toward teaching third graders. As a firm believer in the value of keeping high expectations, Karen Quinney understands that students need nurturing and encouragement to succeed. She believes in teaching our youth the value of setting and reaching goals. These skills are important, not only in school, but also for success in later life. Karen Quinney is a strong believer in the potential of our children. She helps to insure that our children not only attain their goals, but that they reach their full potential. She is currently being honored as the Vogel Elementary School Teacher of the Year. I am proud to have the chance to recognize the accomplishments of Karen Quinney of Vogel Elementary School. Her passion for teaching is a blessing to the community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of H.R. 1072, which, as the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Marchant) has said, has the unanimous support of the whole Texas delegation, both Democrats and Republicans, the 32 members of the Texas delegation. H.R. 1072 is a piece of legislation that will name the post office in Goliad, Texas, after a great American, a great Texan, Judge Emilio Vargas. Judge Emilio Vargas is a first-generation American who was born in Goliad. As a child, he attended segregated schools because of his Hispanic background. Despite that, he went off to Bee College, graduated, and then he volunteered, joined the American Air Force where he served as an airman. After serving his country, he went home and focused on improving the lives of his people in the community. During the 1960s, Judge Vargas was active in the civil rights movement and worked to eliminate the poll tax in Texas. He worked to increase Hispanic participation in government and focused on getting an educated population in his community. For 14 years he served in the Goliad Independent School District Board of Trustees, where he focused on education. He believed in the words of President John F. Kennedy when President Kennedy said the progress of a Nation can be no swifter than the progress of its educational system; and he worked hard to make sure that students could go to school, go to college, and become good citizens and become part of the American Dream. I stand here with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) in support of this particular bill, H.R. 1072, and ask that we name the post office in Goliad after this great American, great Texan, Judge Vargas.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the public service of Hulda Kercheville of Hernandez Intermediate School. Hulda Kercheville grew up in Martindale, Texas. As the eldest of six children, she spent much of her youth helping her parents care for her of siblings. Mrs. Kercheville has chosen to lead a life filled with good examples for our children. She is no stranger to hard work, having served as both an educator and a former Hays County Constable. Hulda Kercheville has taught our kids for the last thirty-five years. She is retiring from Hernandez Intermediate School, and receiving the honorary distinction of Teacher of the Year. Hulda Kercheville survives her husband Jack Kercheville. Her four children: Michael, Cheryl, Mary, and Jaclyn, now have children and grandchildren of their own. It is an honor to recognize the hard work and dedication of Hulda Kercheville. Her passion for the education of our students has inspired generations of Texans.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Mary Anne Guerrero Kolb, Crockett Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Kolb graduated from Texas State University in 1974 with a B.S. in education, and in 1981 with a Masters in Education. She has taught kindergarten for the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District for 30 years, after being handpicked by the administration as a student teacher. Mrs. Kolb is a dedicated practitioner of bilingual education. She aims to make her students into enthusiastic readers and writers, in both English and Spanish. Her methods have produced consistent results: every year her students meet or exceed the state requirements in math and reading. In addition to her distinguished career in education, Mrs. Kolb is also a military veteran. She enlisted in the United States Navy after high school, and worked as a dental technician. She is a consistent innovator in education. Mrs. Kolb eagerly applies new computer technology and teaching techniques in her classroom, using new information to reinforce time-tested procedures. She has been recognized for her achievements many times, receiving the 2004 Outstanding Teacher Award from the VFW as well as Teacher of the Year from her own Crockett Elementary School. Mary Anne Kolb is one of our state's outstanding educators. Her tireless work has contributed to a brighter future for hundreds of Texan children, and her energy serves as an example to us all. I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Teacher of the Year Rosalinda De La Rosa for her countless contributions to the children of the Bonham Early Childhood Center. Mrs. De La Rosa began her career at Bonham by teaching Pre- Kindergarten Bilingual Education. She has now taught at Bonham for 2 years. She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Texas State University and she is certified in Early Childhood Education and Bilingual Education. Mrs. De La Rosa is a teacher who loves to shape and mold the minds of her students. She helps them understand that school is a safe and wonderful environment and encourages them to learn everything that they can. She teaches them that even though they may be young they are important to the class, and she helps them understand about classrooms and rules. Her goal as a teacher is to make every day an enjoyable day by letting her preschoolers know that she cares about them and that she is there to listen to their concerns. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have Mrs. De La Rosa teaching the students of my district and I am honored to have had the chance to recognize her today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Megan Nebgen, Goodnight Junior High Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Nebgen is the coach of the Dancin' Stars Team at Goodnight, a position she has held for the past two years. She is well-qualified for the position, having received a Bachelor of Science in Dance from Texas State University. She has brought energy and initiative to Goodnight, establishing the first Contest Team at the school. Megan Nebgen believes that dance can be an excellent venue for growth for girls, teaching them to express themselves through movement and building their self-esteem. Her girls have won many awards in competition, but Mrs. Nebgen believes that the confidence and pride that the girls get from the dance program is their most important reward. She believes that dance can help students in the rest of their lives, citing the fact that most of her students improve their marks in school when they are enrolled. Mrs. Nebgen also believes that team competitive dance can teach an important civic virtue: teamwork. Mrs. Nebgen herself is a team player within her school, taking time from her schedule to participate in both the Campus Management Team and the Veteran's Day Committee. Mrs. Nebgen has made an important contribution to the health and happiness of the girls under her mentorship. Her work in dance benefits her whole community, and I am proud to have had the chance to recognize her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding contributions of PRIDE High School Teacher of the Year, Kyle Wilson. Mr. Wilson has been a teacher at PRIDE, an alternative school for at- risk students, for fifteen years. He was one of the original team of teachers who founded PRIDE High School. He has two Bachelor's degrees, in Psychology and Biology, and he uses his training to teach his students how to explore the world around them as scientists. Kyle Wilson gives his students real-world science experience by involving them in the PHS Hydrosphere Monitors, a campus organization which protects the environment by testing the water quality of the Blanco River. The PHS Hydrosphere Monitors work together with Texas State University, which compiles the water quality information from various schools to create a picture of water quality throughout the state. This project not only provides the State with valuable data; it also promotes the attitudes and social values conducive to scientific learning, and teaches students the value of volunteering for a cause larger than themselves. Mr. Wilson has won many awards for his work. He was named Texas Watch ``Outstanding Monitor'' in 2002, has been recognized by the National Science Teachers Association, and was Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year in 2005. This is the second time he has received the Teacher of the Year Award from his school. He has done a tremendous amount for the children of the State of Texas, and I am happy to have the opportunity to thank him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the enormous contributions of Deborah Rodriguez to the students of De Zavala Elementary School. A long time Texan, Mrs. Rodriguez graduated from San Marcos High School and later went on to receive her teaching degree from Texas State University. She is certified in Bilingual Education and teaches first and second grade bilingual students. Mrs. Rodriguez credits her husband for becoming a teacher, as he comes from a family of teachers and educators. She also gives credit to the many teachers who she had when she was younger and beginning to learn English. Mrs. Rodriguez began to teach in 1997 when her youngest child began kindergarten. She is an avid believer in her students knowing and learning to speak more than one language, because she regrets that she started school speaking only Spanish. Her mother, who spoke and read to her in both languages and gave her a strong foundation in reading and writing, is the reason why she loves to do these things today. Deborah Rodriguez is one of San Marcos' outstanding educators and I am very proud to have had this opportunity to recognize her today.