[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING AND HONORING MS. GENEVIEVE FLOREZ

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2012

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Miss 
Genevieve Florez, who organized a school-wide donation project to send 
care package to our troops.
  At age 10, Genevieve is the youngest child of Susan and Steve Florez. 
She has attended Joshua Cowell Elementary School since kindergarten, 
where her mother is a teacher. The family lives in Twain Harte, and 
Genevieve and her mom commute to school daily--an hour and a half trip 
each way. While in the car she does her homework, reads, and talks with 
her mom about all of the things that fill the life of a 5th grader.
  Despite all the time that Genevieve dedicates to her studies and long 
commute, she still finds the energy to help with a home garden, 
participate in summer drama productions, and take dance classes. She 
loves art and keeps a sketchbook of her own fashion designs. Not only 
is Genevieve bright, happy, thoughtful, and creative, but she is a 
highly motivated self-starter ready to make a difference in the world. 
In fact, her goal is to be the future President of the United States.
  The care package project was inspired by Genevieve's admiration for 
her school principal, Ms. Bennett. Genevieve sent her the following 
letter: You inspired me. I want to help and stop world hunger, no more 
bullies, say thanks to police, fire-fighters, and ladies and men in the 
military. I also want to say thanks to the teachers. I don't know how 
to help. That's why I ask you. This is money to help with anything. 
Miss Florez had enclosed $20 dollars.
  After speaking with Principal Bennett about a variety of ways to 
reach out to people, Genevieve decided to pursue the idea of sending 
packages to soldiers overseas. Bennett put Genevieve in touch with the 
family of Corporal Charles O. Palmer--a United States Marine, who lost 
his life in Iraq on May 5, 2007. Corporal Palmer's family met with 
Genevieve to help her coordinate services as she prepared to send 
personal care packages to the troops. After organizing three school 
meetings to share her idea about the project, Genevieve had 
successfully earned the support of 70 students who wanted to 
participate.
  On September 11, 2012, a school assembly was held to remember those 
who lost their lives during the attacks and to honor the heroes that 
emerged who protect us every day. The Palmer Family spoke to the 
students about the collecting of items to send to the soldiers. They 
talked about the personal healing that the project brings to them, and 
they thanked the students for their efforts. They finished by letting 
the students know that they were all heroes for making a difference at 
that moment. After sorting through all of the donations, the Palmer 
Family, students, staff, and volunteers were able to send out 65 boxes 
to our very deserving troops.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in praising Genevieve Florez for the 
significant contributions she has made to the people of the local 
community and for her honorable and faithful dedication to our service 
men and women of the United States of America.

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