[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO ANDREA MARIE PEREA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Andrea Marie Perea, 
who is a two-time State Champion in the sport of Gymnastics.
  At 12 years old, Andrea has achieved more in the sport of gymnastics 
than many athletes will accomplish in a lifetime. In the 2005 Nevada 
State Championships in Reno, Nevada, Andrea scored first place in 4 of 
the 5 events that she competed in, including uneven bars, balance beam, 
floor exercise, and best all around performance, leading her to win her 
first Nevada State Championship. She became a two-time title holder at 
the 2006 Nevada State Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she 
took home first place on the vault, balance beam, and again received 
the title of best all around.
  Andrea's athleticism does not stop with gymnastics. She takes ballet 
and belly dance lessons, and participates in a Fiesta Flamenca dance 
troupe. In addition to her athletic achievements, Andrea gives back to 
the Las Vegas community by volunteering with Salud en Accion, a program 
that provides outreach to the Hispanic community on Medicare, Medicaid, 
and basic health services. Furthermore, Andrea acts as an altar server 
for the Guardian Angel Cathedral Catholic Church in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  Andrea is committed to maintaining her public service, and would like 
to get more involved with events in her local Las Vegas community. A 
straight ``A'' student, she intends to maintain her grades while 
continuing to practice dance and violin in her spare time. She has set 
her sights on participating in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and 
then taking her gold medal to West Point where she will study medicine, 
and eventually become a surgeon. With more young women like Andrea 
Marie Perea, who strive to meet their goals with great ambition and 
pride, I see a bright future for America.
  Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to honor Andrea Marie Perea and her 
outstanding accomplishments. I wish her the best in her gymnastics 
career, as well as with all of her future endeavors.

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