Floor Statements

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.