[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1384]]
                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO VERONICA VASQUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 14, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Veronica 
Vasquez and thank her for her years of service she has given to the 
Colorado school system. At the end of this year she will retire after 
devoting thirty years of her life to educating students in Alamosa 
Colorado. As she celebrates her retirement, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize her distinguished career before this body of 
Congress and this nation today.
  Veronica decided on a career in teaching after thinking about 
pursuing a career as a reporter or a social worker. She began as a 
substitute teacher in the Alamosa School District before taking her 
first full time teaching position as a bilingual kindergarten through 
fourth grade teacher. She was employed at several of the elementary 
schools in Alamosa until she was offered a five-year position as a 
parent community liaison, where she worked with at risk families and 
students coordinating crisis prevention and intervention teams. After 
her five-year position she went back to teaching for three years before 
becoming Principal of Polston Primary School.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Veronica Vasquez before this 
body of Congress and this nation. Veronica's willingness to provide her 
time and experience to Alamosa's children is something truly special 
and worthy of recognition before this body of Congress and this nation 
today. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

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