[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 164 (Wednesday, December 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF JUDGE CARMEN RIVERA-WORLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 18, 2012

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Carmen Rivera-
Worley. Judge Rivera-Worley has served as District Judge for the 16th 
District Court in Denton County, Texas for the past nine years.
  Judge Rivera-Worley received a Bachelor's Degree from Texas A&M 
University in 1977. She also received a Master's Degree from Texas Tech 
University in 1978. In addition to those degrees, Judge Rivera-Worley 
proved her commitment to higher-education by earning her Jurisprudence 
Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law in 1982. These 
numerous degrees have allowed Judge Rivera-Worley to extend her 
knowledge and continually serve the citizens of Denton and Val Verde 
counties.
  Judge Rivera-Worley has extensive experience in practicing law. 
Before her current position as District Judge, the Honorable Rivera-
Worley held several positions as an attorney in Denton County and Val 
Verde County. She previously served in Denton County's Criminal 
District Attorney's Office as the Assistant Criminal District Attorney/
Chief of Civil Division from 1992-2003. Also, she served as Val Verde 
County Attorney from 1987-1992. Prior to that position, she was Val 
Verde County Assistant Attorney from 1985 to 1987.
  Judge Rivera-Worley also played an active role in numerous 
professional associations. These include the Denton County Bar 
Association and The Texas State Bar Association, particularly in the 
following sections: Construction Law Section, Government Lawyer 
Section, and Labor and Employment Section. In addition, she held many 
positions in the Texas District and County Attorney's Association. In 
the Texas District and County Attorney's Association, she was a member 
of the Board of Directors, the Long Range Planning Committee for 
Publications, the Editorial Board, and the Legislative Committee. Also, 
she served as the Chair of the Civil Committee of the Association, and 
was also a member of the Governor's Prosecution Advisory Committee on 
Punishment Standards Commission, and was a speaker at conferences on 
local government and purchasing for the Texas Association of Counties 
and Texas Purchasing Association.
  Beyond her professional experience, Judge Rivera-Worley has proven 
her commitment to the community by working with civic organizations and 
charities in the region. She is currently an associate of the Denton 
Independent School District's Bond Progress Committee and of the Denton 
Christian Preschool Board of Directors and Nominations Committee. Judge 
Rivera-Worley has also devoted her time to the Trinity United Methodist 
Church by being a member of the Board of Trustees and of the Council on 
Ministries. She was also the Chair of the Youth Ministries Committee 
for the church.
  Even with her already outstanding track record of leading her 
community, Judge Rivera-Worley found the time to serve as a member of 
the Minority Access Committee at Ann's Haven Hospice. She also played a 
significant role in the Denton Chapter of the League of United Latin 
American Citizens, and was also named Trustee of the Sarah E. Worley 
Educational Foundation Trust.
  Judge Rivera-Worley is a very active member in her community and has 
a true passion for helping others. As she retires, she will leave a 
legacy of excellence in the 16th District Court of Denton County and 
will not be forgotten. I am pleased to recognize Judge Rivera-Worley 
and am privileged to represent Denton County in the U.S. House of 
Representatives.

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