[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO HONOR MR. RAMON RIVERA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2014

  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Ramon Rivera 
from Malaga, Washington. Mr. Rivera is the founder of the Mariachi 
Huenachi program at Wenatchee High School and also the director of that 
remarkable music group. Recently, he was honored by the Seattle City 
Club with one of the 2014 Washington State Jefferson Awards.
  The Jefferson Award is an award for ``unsung heroes'' who have 
committed themselves to volunteer service and improving the lives of 
those around them, and, in doing so, improving the world. So far, over 
300 students have participated in the mariachi program pioneered by Mr. 
Rivera, a program which has received national attention. Not only do 
his students learn about the rich cultural heritage of mariachi music 
but they are also expected to achieve academic excellence and are 
encouraged to pursue higher educations, something that many of Mr. 
Rivera's students would never have considered otherwise.
  I am honored to have met Mr. Rivera during the Spring Recess and am 
even more honored to represent him as my constituent. I congratulate 
him on the success of his endeavors and earning this prestigious 
recognition.

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