[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 78 (Wednesday, May 20, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S3180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATING NOELLE VERHELST

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate 
Noelle Verhelst on being selected not only as Nevada's Cherry Blossom 
Princess for the 2015 Centennial Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, 
DC, but also on being selected as U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen. Ms. 
Verhelst is the first Nevada Cherry Blossom Princess to be selected as 
U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen, a well-deserved accolade.
  Ms. Verhelst is a shining example of someone who truly cherishes the 
Silver State. She was raised in Las Vegas and attended the University 
of Nevada, Las Vegas, receiving her bachelor's degree in political 
science. Prior to moving to Washington, DC, she worked in Governor 
Brian Sandoval's Office of Economic Development. She currently works 
for Congressman Joe Heck (NV-3) as a legislative correspondent. Her 
dedication and service to the great State of Nevada are greatly 
appreciated.
  Ms. Verhelst was chosen in February by the Nevada State Society to 
represent Nevada in the National Conference of State Societies and the 
Cherry Blossom Princess Program. Nevada is proud to support one of our 
own as she joins young women from across the Nation in community 
involvement and educational, leadership, and cultural activities 
throughout the year. In April, she was selected as U.S. Cherry Blossom 
Queen at the Official Cherry Blossom Grand Ball and Coronation of the 
United States Cherry Blossom Queen, a tradition that began in 1948. As 
U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen, Ms. Verhelst will have the opportunity to 
represent both the Silver State and the United States while she visits 
the Japan Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, during her official United States 
Cherry Blossom Queen Goodwill Ambassador trip in May.
  I am proud to recognize Ms. Verhelst on her excellent representation 
of Nevada in her role as Nevada Cherry Blossom Princess and U.S. Cherry 
Blossom Queen. She should be proud of her achievements.
  I join the citizens of Nevada in congratulating Ms. Verhelst on her 
accomplishment and wish her all the best during her United States 
Cherry Blossom Queen Goodwill Ambassador trip and in all of her future 
endeavors.

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