Brittany Pettersen

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David Jaimes Gomez for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. David has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like David, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to David's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada K-8 and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate David Jaimes Gomez on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Eva Hern for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Eva has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Eva, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Eva's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada K-8 and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Eva Hern on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amira Perea for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Amira has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Amira, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Amira's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada K-8 and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Amira Perea on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Eshaya Gray- Sullivan for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Eshaya has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Eshaya, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Eshaya's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada K-8 and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Eshaya Gray-Sullivan on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Warren Tech of Jefferson County Public Schools for their 50th anniversary. Warren Tech is one of the leading Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers in Colorado, preparing students to jump straight into successful careers or to be competitive applicants for college. For five decades, Warren Tech has empowered students through 36 innovative programs, where experienced faculty and industry partners collaborate to provide real-world projects, internships, and apprenticeships. They have equipped students with Post-Secondary Workforce Readiness (PWR) skills while providing over 13,000 free college credits and 1,600 industry certifications annually. Warren Tech's rigorous educational programs, ranging from agriculture, STEM, arts, trades, and more, are proof of their mission to make meaningful connections between 21st Century academic knowledge and career-focused learning. On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Warren Tech on its 50th anniversary and thank all the educators and dedicated individuals who work there for their commitment to our community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ana Olalde Guerrero for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Ana has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Ana, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Ana's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada K-8 and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Ana Olalde Guerrero on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeffrey Hammond of Canon City for his heroic actions, which have earned him the prestigious Life Saving Award from the Park Law Enforcement Association. On January 29, 2023, while serving as an Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Ranger, Jeffrey demonstrated exceptional bravery and skill during a critical rescue operation in Bighorn Canyon. His quick response and decisive actions under pressure were instrumental in saving the life of a woman trapped in her vehicle in the frigid waters of the Arkansas River. Jeffrey's involvement in the rescue went far beyond the call of duty. Upon arriving at the scene and assessing the situation, he donned his swift water rescue suit and navigated the icy waters, having to force open the vehicle's door to access the driver. He then securely placed a life jacket on her and coordinated with first responders to ensure a safe extraction. On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to extend our deepest gratitude and congratulations to Jeffrey Hammond for his life-saving act.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Julianna Martinez for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Julianna has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Julianna, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Julianna's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada K-8 and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Julianna Martinez on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ana S. Hernandez Morales for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Ana has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Ana, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Ana's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada K-8 and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Ana S. Hernandez Morales on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hailey Altorei for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Hailey has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Hailey, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Hailey's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada K-8 and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Hailey Altorei on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gabriel Sanchez for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Gabriel has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Gabriel, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Gabriel's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Gabriel Sanchez on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Adrionna Higuera Martinez for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Adrionna has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Adrionna, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Adrionna's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Adrionna Higuera Martinez on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Noah Cox for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Noah has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Noah, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Noah's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada K-8 and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Noah Cox on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kimo Bull for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Kimo has overcome many challenges along their journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Kimo, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Kimo's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada K-8 and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Kimo Bull on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chester Monroe for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Chester has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Chester, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Chester's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Chester Monroe on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jazmin Salazar for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Jazmin has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Jazmin, develop crucial skills and a work eithic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Jazmin's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Jazmin Salazar on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hannah Kuntze for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Hannah has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Hannah, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Hannah's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Hannah Kuntze on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Evan Yang for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Evan has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Evan, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Evan's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Evan Yang on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nevaeh Castaneda-Hurtado for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Nevaeh has overcome many challenges along her journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Nevaeh, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Nevaeh's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Nevaeh Castaneda-Hurtado on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anthony Yan of Westminster, Colorado. Anthony is one of only a few high school students across the country to be awarded the prestigious National Security Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship. As part of this program, Anthony will travel to Taiwan this summer to engage in intensive instruction in the Mandarin language, while living with a local host family and becoming immersed in Taiwanese culture. Launched in 2006, NSLI-Y gives high-achieving American high school students the opportunity to gain rigorous instruction and immersive experiences learning languages critical to America's national security and global cooperation. Many NSLI-Y alumni go on to distinguished careers in national security and public service using the language skills gained through this scholarship program. On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Anthony Yan for this impressive accomplishment and wish him all the best on his upcoming travels to Taiwan.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Margaret Hotopp of Evergreen, Colorado. Margaret was selected as one of only 15 high school students nationwide to represent the United States through the State Department's Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Abroad Program. Created in 1993 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the FLEX program sought to foster meaningful relationships between students from countries in Eastern Europe and Eurasia with Americans and citizens of other countries. The modern FLEX Abroad program sends high-achieving American students to Eastern Europe and Western Asia to develop leadership skills, learn new languages, and represent our country as citizen ambassadors. This year, Margaret will travel to Poland, attending school, living with a host family, and collaborating with the Department of State to integrate into her host community and promote mutual understanding between Americans and the Polish people. On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Margaret Hotopp for this impressive accomplishment and I wish her all the best for her year in Poland.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katelyn O'Connell of Arvada, Colorado. Katelyn was selected as one of 250 high school students across the country to participate in the Department of State's prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Program. Launched in 1983, CBYX selects high achieving youth from both Germany and the United States to live in each other's country for one academic year. During their year abroad, students will foster meaningful relationships between America and Germany, while giving participants new perspectives on peoples and cultures beyond their own. Many CBYX alumni go on to distinguished careers in foreign affairs and public service using the language skills gained through this scholarship program. This year, Katelyn will travel to Germany, attending school, living with a host family, and collaborating with the Department of State to integrate into her host community and promote mutual understanding between Americans and the German people. On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Katelyn O'Connell for this impressive accomplishment and wish her all the best in her upcoming year in Germany.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Todd Albrecht of Canon City for being inducted into the Fremont Hall of Fame. Todd is being honored for his dedication and service to the Canon City community through education and arts. His 31-year career as a music educator has left an enormous mark on Canon City High School students, parents, educators, and the surrounding community. He has developed show choirs, supported the musical theater program, and taught countless young people the importance of music and the arts. Todd's commitment to the community is also demonstrated through his work with the Canon City School Board and the Colorado Association of School Boards. He is dedicated to the success of our local education system and has worked towards these goals his entire career. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Todd Albrecht for being inducted into the Fremont Hall of Fame and thank him for his contribution to our community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brendan Pardue for being named the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance's 2023 Distinguished Citizen. Brendan was raised in Canon City and has spent his life in Colorado. He attended Regis University and graduated with majors in history, philosophy, and religion and then went on to earn his master's degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. In 2005, Brendan purchased the Gibson Mansion and spent years restoring the house and reviving a historic part of Canon City. Since completing the restoration, Brendan has offered free use of the house to nonprofit organizations for fundraisers and other events. He has also restored 12 other historic buildings in the area. Brendan's readiness to assist his community is one of many reasons why he is a fitting recipient of the Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance's recognition. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Brendan Pardue for earning this award and thank him for his long standing dedication to our community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fremont County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Department of Transportation (DOT) for their lifesaving work to keep roads clear and restore power during a record-breaking winter storm in March of 2024. This harsh winter storm brought over thirteen inches of snow and caused major power outages throughout the county. Staff from the Fremont County Office of Emergency Management, led by Emergency Manager Mykel Kroll, and the Fremont County Department of Transportation, led by Director Mike Whitt, worked overtime and over weekends throughout inclement weather conditions to clear roadways and restore traffic to over 700 miles of mountainous roadways in the county. Together, they freed an elderly woman who had been trapped in her car by the snow, secured housing for a family who were victims of a fire, restored power to a residential care facility in Florence, rescued a man caught in his vehicle after an avalanche, and helped maintain power for a family with a young child who relies on a supplemental oxygen supply. Under some of the most extreme conditions possible, Fremont County OEM and DOT did an exemplary job of saving lives and serving our community during this storm. On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize Florence County Office of Emergency Management and Department of Transportation for their outstanding work and service to our communities.