[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 178 (Friday, December 9, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF MRS. LUPITA CORTEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of one 
of Laredo's most passionate educators, Lupita Cortez.
  Mrs. Cortez was born in Laredo, Texas on the 16th of February in 1956 
to Teresa and Vicente Gutierrez. After graduating high school in 1974, 
she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Texas 
A&M--Kingsville and a Master of Science in Educational Administration 
from Texas A&M International University. Her passion for learning led 
her to dedicate her life to teaching the children of Laredo through the 
Laredo Independent School District, where she worked to better 
students' lives for over 35 years.
  Mrs. Cortez's devotion to the school district led her to assume the 
role of principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels. She 
ended her career in education at Don Jose Gallego Elementary School, a 
school given its name to appreciate and honor the contributions of her 
very own grandfather. Throughout her life and career, Mrs. Cortez, was 
always held in high regard because of her unwavering belief in love and 
selflessness, as well as her steadfast leadership. Through a 
combination of optimism and strong will, Mrs. Cortez worked hard to 
bring out the best in everyone in her company. This extended to her 
children as well, who have gone on to excel in the fields of education, 
medicine and law. She held herself to the highest of standards in both 
her professional and personal life, and this was reflected in the way 
that she interacted with those around her: treating everyone with the 
utmost kindness and respect.
  Mrs. Cortez is survived by her parents, Teresa and Vicente Gutierrez; 
siblings, Vicente (Gloria) Gutierrez, Jr., Teresita Gutierrez, Margie 
Gutierrez, Javier (Elvira) Gutierrez and Nora (Ernesto) Meza; husband, 
Oscar Cortez; and children, Christine Alyson Cortez, James Vincent 
Cortez, M.D., Leslie Ann Cortez and Oscar Cortez, Jr. Her legacy will 
remain strong through the seeds of hope, wisdom and endurance that she 
planted in those around her. The mentoring and guidance that she 
provided will persevere throughout the community she touched. Her 
passion for serving others through her love of education will not be 
forgotten, and her dedication to her work is a model that all should 
strive to emulate.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to remember the 
legacy of Lupita Cortez.

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