[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 116 (Friday, July 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING SAMUEL FLORES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2011

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Samuel 
Flores for his dedication and contributions to the city of Seguin and 
south Texas.
  Mr. Flores was born in San Marcos, Texas as the middle child of seven 
and raised during the difficult years of the Great Depression. During 
his early years, he lived the arduous life of a migrant worker 
traveling from California to Minnesota as the seasons changed. At the 
age of seventeen, he dropped out of school to serve his country and 
joined the United States Marine Corps. After six years of service, he 
returned to school. Flores earned a degree in education from Southwest 
Texas State University, as well as a Master's degree in school 
administration. After marrying Velia Flores and moving to her hometown 
of Seguin, Texas, he started working for Harlandale Independent School 
District where he resided for an accomplished 35 years of service.
  Throughout his career in education, he taught mainstream and special 
education to elementary and secondary school students. He distinguished 
himself as the first Hispanic Principal for Harlandale Independent 
School District. He became Director for Special Education for six 
school districts and later on worked for the Seguin school district as 
the Attendance Officer. Even after his retirement in 2000, he continued 
to serve his community by becoming chairman of the Walnut Branch 
Restoration Project.
  Aside from his teaching vocation, Flores dedicated a great part of 
his life to fighting against discrimination in public places. He 
founded the Seguin Bi-racial Committee during the 1960s. Thanks to his 
hard work and dedication, schools like Texas Lutheran University, now 
have a Mexican-American Studies program for the benefit of the 
students. He also assisted in founding the Seguin Boys Club, as well as 
establishing the Health Unit Project, the Walnut Creek Flood Project, 
and a new Seguin Post Office. Along with forming these vital programs 
and initiatives, Mr. Flores served as a member of the Seguin City 
Council from 1965-2000.
  Mr. Flores' tremendous commitment to the Seguin education system and 
the overall community was honored by having part of Highway 46 in Texas 
dedicated to him. He was also recognized on the floor of the Texas 
House of Representatives with a resolution in his honor presented by 
Edmund Kuempel in 2001.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the time to recognize the 
dedication, accomplishments, and commitment of the late Samuel Flores.

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