[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 24, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         HONORING SONYA ROMERO

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2015

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
with great pride to honor one of our exceptional teachers, Ms. Sonya 
Romero from Lew Wallace Elementary School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
  Sonya Romero is a bilingual teacher who focuses on early childhood 
education. She is a candidate for National Board certification; she 
serves on the state's NMTEACH council; and was recently appointed 
Executive Vice President of the Albuquerque Teachers Federation.
  A teacher for the past 20 years, Sonya has worked at Lew Wallace 
Elementary located in downtown Albuquerque for the last 10 years. The 
small student population is represented by a wide variety of cultures 
and languages. Three out of every four students qualifies for the 
National School Lunch Program. Many of the kids are from families that 
are homeless or rely on housing assistance; and they struggle with food 
insecurity.
  The tightknit Downtown community is also home to everyday heroes who 
will do anything for students, colleagues and neighbors, including 
rallying around families in need; locating desperately needed services; 
packaging food in back packs for the weekend; inviting parents to have 
a free breakfast with their son or daughter; spending their own money 
on clothes, shoes or school supplies; and even inviting an illiterate 
mother to sit in during story time to help her learn to read.
  Several months ago, some of her former students were placed in a dire 
family situation causing Child Protective Services to intervene with 
the intent of placing the two sisters with a foster family. Sonya and 
her teenage son made the decision to take the girls into their own home 
and they have been there since.
  Sonya and Lew Wallace Elementary School were recently featured on 
``The Ellen DeGeneres Show'' and received $20,000 from Target. Sonya is 
grateful that her story is shedding light on the roles that many 
teachers embrace for the benefit of their students. She considers her 
work and that of her fellow teachers very special and views this 
recognition as a community celebration. Sonya reminds us that most 
teachers are not just providing instruction, but are deeply committed 
to the overall well-being and success of their students. They overcome 
challenges, and create a secure and trusting environment for our 
children.

                          ____________________