[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 25 (Friday, February 15, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE SERVICE OF NICOLE A. VILLARUZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 15, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Nicole A. 
Villaruz, who has served as a valued member of my staff for the past 
eight years. Nicole joined my staff during my first term in Congress 
and has since become my District Director. This month, Nicole will be 
leaving my staff to work for California State Senator Michael Rubio in 
Bakersfield, California. Nicole's years of service to the people of 
Central California in the 16th and 20th Congressional Districts, 
spanning from Kern County to Merced County, deserve to be commended. 
Her character truly exemplifies the spirit of the San Joaquin Valley. 
Her strong work ethic, coupled with her positive attitude and zest for 
life make her true champion for the people of Central California. It is 
only fitting and proper that she be recognized by my colleagues in 
Congress.
  Nicole has a long history of community service and involvement. While 
attending Delano High School in Delano, California, Nicole was a member 
of the Key Club, the National Honor Society, and was a lifetime member 
of the California Scholarship Federation. Along with her academic 
pursuits, Nicole was also a member of the ASB Senate and was head 
cheerleader during her senior year. In 1996, Nicole was named Delano's 
Junior Miss for the Class of 1997. She went on to California's Junior 
Miss, where she received top ten honors. In 1997, she earned the Good 
Citizens Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Clearly, 
her many endeavors during her teenage years served as an indicator for 
her commitment to service and leadership.
  Upon graduating from Delano High School in 1997, Nicole attended the 
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the largest public 
university in the UC system, and one of the most prestigious. Nicole 
was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority, where she held a number of 
leadership positions. She graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor's Degree in 
Political Science.
  In 2001, Nicole was named Miss Kern County with a platform promoting 
civic virtue. Shortly thereafter, Nicole joined my staff in 
Bakersfield, California as a District Representative. Nicole's passion 
has always been helping others. As a District Representative, Nicole 
met with a number of constituents and organizations, often recognizing 
their needs and working hard to resolve their problems--whether it 
meant cutting through red tape when dealing with federal agencies, or 
leading constituents to the correct branch of government.
  Nicole became my District Director in 2011 and she relocated to my 
Fresno district office. Her years of expertise and knowledge were 
essential in guaranteeing the success of my District offices. Nicole 
served as a mentor to many members of my staff--her guidance often 
helping them reach their full potential and ultimately ensured the 
well-being of our constituents.
  Nicole's work and service has been recognized by many organizations. 
Most recently, she was honored by the Delano Chamber of Commerce with 
their Hazel Boone Award for her superior service. She currently 
volunteers for Distinguished Young Women of California (formerly 
California's Junior Miss) and serves as a choreographer/dance 
instructor.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and pride that I recognize Ms. 
Villaruz today for her many contributions to my Congressional offices 
in Fresno and Bakersfield. It has truly been an honor to watch her grow 
professionally. She is an exceptional leader and will undoubtedly 
continue to do great things for our Valley.

                          ____________________