[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING ABIGAIL ELIZABETH ROCHA FOR ACHIEVING THE GIRL SCOUT GOLD 
                                 AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2019

  Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Abigail Elizabeth 
Rocha, who has earned the Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award.
  Abigail joins a select group of scouts to obtain this recognition. 
The Gold Award symbolizes an individual's outstanding accomplishments 
in leadership, community service, career planning, and personal 
development. The award requires earning four interest project patches, 
the Career Exploration Pin, the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, and 
completing the Senior Girl Scout Challenge. A scout must also complete 
a Gold Project, in which scouts identify and lead a project on a 
pressing issue in the community.
  For her Gold Project, Abigail built five libraries, three in 
Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico and two in Brownsville, Texas. An avid 
reader, Abigail excelled in her goal of providing both communities with 
access to books. I applaud her vision and ambition as she diligently 
worked on both sides of our border to get the communities involved in 
this project. Her imagination and leadership helped improve educational 
opportunities for children and families.
  It is a great honor to recognize Abigail Elizabeth Rocha for her 
dedication and unwavering service. I am confident that the skills and 
life lessons she learns through Girl Scouts will prove to be invaluable 
in her future endeavors. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
her achievements, work, and service.

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