[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 119 (Friday, July 14, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E996]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING SONIA SEPULVEDA-DEMPSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 14, 2017

  Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Sonia Sepulveda-Dempsey, who was recently inducted into the Rio Grande 
Valley Sports Hall of Fame.
   Sonia began running competitively when she was in the seventh grade. 
While a student at Edinburg High School, she qualified for state three 
times. Sonia excelled on the track and was recruited heavily by many 
colleges and universities in the state of Texas. She eventually chose 
to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she joined their 
Track and Field Program. During her college years, Sonia was part of 
the second fastest relay team in Baylor's history.
   Inspired by her first grade teacher, who she refers to as her 
“haven,” Sonia became an educator following her graduation 
from Baylor. She currently works as a testing facilitator at Edinburg 
North High School, where her husband serves as the band director. Sonia 
has been an educator for two decades. She also periodically gives 
motivational speeches to student athletes, a testament to her passion 
for athletics and commitment to student athletes.
   Mr. Speaker, I applaud Sonia Sepulveda-Dempsey on the occasion of 
her induction to the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame, and 
recognize her contributions to education and student athletes in South 
Texas. Today, I am proud to honor Sonia Sepulveda-Dempsey.

                          ____________________