[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING ESTELLE WALLINGFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 18, 2011

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize someone who has 
been a valuable asset during her time as an intern in my office, 
Estelle Wallingford.
  Estelle came to my office from Australia as a participant in the Uni-
Capitol Washington Internship Programme. Already an accomplished 
student at the University of Melbourne where she studies Political 
Science and Philosophy, as well as Economics, she left the Australian 
summer to join us in DC as winter set in this January. During her time 
in my office, Estelle has been a quick learner, picking up and 
understanding the similarities and differences between our U.S. 
Congress and Australia's Parliament. At the same time, she has 
excitedly shared her knowledge and culture with my staff, leading them 
in their first ever celebration of Australia Day.
  Estelle's love of Australia and desire to share it with others in the 
United States was exemplified by her efforts to revive the House's 
Friends of Australia Caucus. During a project to update a listing of 
Congressional Member Organizations for my office, she realized that 
there are caucuses fostering friendship between the United States and a 
number of other nations, but not one for Australia. I am proud to 
report that through her efforts to reach out to other Members of 
Congress and her own embassy, Estelle's vision of the Friends of 
Australia Caucus is already taking shape.
  I join my colleagues in congratulating Estelle Wallingford on her 
accomplishments during her time in the United States and thank her for 
her hard work and knowledge she has imparted to me and my staff. I wish 
her the best in her future endeavors as she returns home, to Australia.

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