[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 76 (Monday, May 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 COMMENDING VALERIE S. VELEZ FOR COORDINATING THE PEER LEADERS UNITING 
   STUDENTS PROGRAM (PLUS) TO ADVOCATE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PREVENTION 
             POLICIES AND TO REDUCE TOBACCO USE AMONG YOUTH

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                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 2015

  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize Health 
Education Program Specialist, Valerie S. Velez for her tireless efforts 
to preserve the Peer Leaders Uniting Students (PLUS) program that 
engages student leaders to address the social issues in their 
community. This year they have chosen to focus on eliminating social 
disparities in tobacco use in the local community of Hemet, California.
  Ms. Velez has been working as a Health Education Program Specialist 
at the Hemet Unified School District (HUSD) since 1992. She earned a 
Master's degree in Public Health from U.C. Berkeley and B.S. from U.C. 
Davis in Applied Behavioral Sciences. In addition, Ms. Velez has been 
responsible for coordinating a wide variety of programs, including 
health education and safe school climate programs for HUSD; federal 
initiatives from the U.S. Department of Education, and the State 
Tobacco Use Prevention Education grant.
  The PLUS program engages middle and high school students as peer 
leaders promoting mutual understanding and respect on their campuses, 
working toward innovating solutions that create more welcoming, 
positive and connected school environments in which students can thrive 
socially and academically.
  In 2014, almost 100 students from the HUSD began collaborating with 
the Hemet Community Action Network and the California Department of 
Public Health to improve social disparities in tobacco use in the local 
community through youth advocacy. Students also made a presentation to 
the City Council to demonstrate the detrimental health effects of 
second hand smoke and tobacco waste. Soon after, the City Council 
adopted a landmark ordinance for the City of Hemet that bans tobacco 
use in parks.
  I am pleased to recognize Ms. Velez for her service and for being a 
champion for the PLUS program, in the face of budget obstacles.
  For her work and on behalf of the HUSD students, I applaud Ms. Velez 
on her dedication to make our community better and look forward to even 
more accomplishments in the future.

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