[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 19 (Friday, January 31, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF ESTIVEN RODRIGUEZ, WHO EMBODIES WHAT AMERICA 
                               REPRESENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 31, 2014

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Estiven Rodriguez, a 
high school student from my congressional district, to the nation's 
Capitol as he was one of the additional guests who was seated in the 
box with the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden and Valerie Jarrett, Senior 
Advisor to the President, at the State of the Union Address on Tuesday, 
January 28, 2013.
  It made me extremely proud to welcome Estiven who has been invited by 
the White House to represent the best and the brightest students in my 
congressional district. Students like Estiven inspire us all with hope 
and optimism for a better America, where everyone has an equal 
opportunity to succeed.
  Estiven Rodriguez is the son of a Dominican immigrant, he arrived in 
the United States when he was nine years old and didn't speak any 
English. When he entered Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning 
School (WHEELS) in the sixth grade, he still spoke and understood very 
limited English. Now a high school senior, Estiven is one of the top 
students in his class and will attend Dickinson College in the fall on 
a Posse Foundation Scholarship, making him a first-generation college 
student. ``At only 16, 17 years old, he, in many ways, embodies the 
spirit of a life-long learner. He is a model student,'' said Erick 
Espin, Estiven's 11th grade United States history teacher. Outside of 
his academic studies, Estiven is also a member of the school's math 
club, and soccer and track teams. Earlier this month, Estiven attended 
an event at the White House on expanding college opportunity. His story 
underscores the importance of the President's goal to give all kids a 
chance to get ahead, regardless of the circumstances of their birth.
  Estiven has been chosen as one of the guests who have been invited to 
sit with the First Lady to represent the stories of millions of 
Americans across the country, who are working hard to better their 
communities, improve their own economic outcomes and help restore 
opportunity for all.''

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