[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 97 (Wednesday, June 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING JESSICA OCAMPO FOR RECEIVING THE 2015 CONGRESSIONAL AWARD GOLD 
                                 MEDAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 17, 2015

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a young leader 
from North Florida who has been selected as a winner of the 2015 
Congressional Gold Medal Award. Jessica Ocampo has shown incredible 
dedication in completing the rigorous challenges that the Gold Medal 
demands. She has set and achieved goals in volunteer public service, 
personal development, physical fitness, and exploration. Ms. Ocampo and 
her comrade, Sabrina Saintil, are the first two Congressional Gold 
Medal recipients from the 4th District of Florida and I could not be 
more proud to recognize both of them.
   Ms. Ocampo is currently studying at Florida State College of 
Jacksonville and plans to attend the University of North Florida after 
her graduation. She tutors her fellow students in Spanish at FSCJ and 
despite the huge load of requirements the Gold Medal requires, she 
still finds time to work in a doctor's office during her free time. 
This inspiring young woman has shown incredible passion, not only in 
her pursuit of education, but also in her work to better the greater 
Jacksonville community.
   As a part of their exploration requirement for the Award, Ms. Ocampo 
planned and went on a historical journey that began in Savannah, 
Georgia. From there, she ventured through the historic downtown section 
of the city and proceeded to Koinonia Farms, the birthplace of Habitat 
for Humanity. From there, she travelled to President Jimmy Carter's 
home in Plains, Georgia, followed by a trip to Global Village, a model 
village containing various types of homes built in Habitat for Humanity 
communities worldwide. Their last stop on the historical exploration 
was the Kingsley Plantation back in Jacksonville.
   I am so proud of what this young woman has accomplished. When I look 
at all that she has done, I am not worried about the future of this 
great nation, for we will surely have great people to lead it. I would 
also like to take this time to recognize Kathy Christensen from Habitat 
for Humanity, who served as Ms. Ocampo's adult advisor and has been 
essential to the success of this program in Jacksonville. Thank you, 
Ms. Christensen, for all that you do and for your constant assistance 
and support.
   I first met Ms. Ocampo back in 2012, and since then she has grown 
both as an individual and as member of the Jacksonville community. I 
could not be happier with Ms. Ocampo's success in receiving the 
Congressional Gold Medal Award, as it stands as proof of a culmination 
of years of hard work and sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, please join me in 
congratulating this young leader of Northeast Florida.

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