[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 13, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H5101-H5102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATING KENT BRAITHWAITE ON HIS RETIREMENT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Ruiz) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Kent 
Braithwaite on his retirement after 39 years of service as a teacher, 
counselor, and role model for the students of Coachella Valley High 
School.
  During his tenure, Mr. Braithwaite has left an indelible impression 
on countless students. As a social studies and English teacher, an 
adviser, and a mentor, he has helped countless students prepare for and 
pursue a college education. More importantly, he instilled in his 
students a lifelong love of learning.

[[Page H5102]]

  Many years ago, I was one of those students in Mr. Braithwaite's 
English class. I like to think I tried my best in every class, but Mr. 
Braithwaite was the kind of teacher who not only taught, but inspired 
his students to work even harder. He challenged my classmates and me 
every day, pushing us to write clearly, read carefully, and question 
the beliefs and assumptions we brought to his classroom.
  In the Coachella Valley, the region I grew up in and have the 
privilege to represent, there are still far too many young people who 
drop out of high school before they can graduate or pursue a higher 
education. Teachers like Mr. Braithwaite are helping to show these 
students that they can achieve their dreams by pursuing their 
education.
  During his nearly four decades of teaching, Mr. Braithwaite has 
served his fellow teachers and the Coachella Valley Unified School 
District in various leadership positions and received prestigious 
recognitions from the California State Assembly, the House of 
Representatives, and many local advocacy organizations for his 
excellence in teaching. Most importantly, he has the gratitude of 
thousands of Coachella Valley High School alumni.
  Mr. Braithwaite is joining his wife and fellow teacher, Jennifer 
Braithwaite, for a well-earned retirement. Over her 38-year career, 
Mrs. Braithwaite invited Holocaust survivors and Vietnam veterans to 
speak to her classes, gave out scholarships to her students, and helped 
bring the Advanced Placement program to Coachella Valley High School. 
Like her husband, Mrs. Braithwaite has always gone above and beyond to 
serve her students.
  On behalf of all the students whose lives Mr. and Mrs. Braithwaite 
have touched, I would like to offer my sincerest thanks and 
congratulate them both on their inspiring and meaningful careers.


            Congratulating Rafael Barboza on His Retirement

  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Rafael 
Barboza on his retirement after more than 30 years of service as a 
guidance counselor for the students of Coachella Valley High School.
  For more than 30 years, Mr. Barboza has spearheaded Coachella Valley 
High School's efforts to make attending college a reality, leading 
college application workshops and connecting students with financial 
aid and scholarship opportunities. He has influenced countless 
students' lives, and our entire community is grateful for his 
dedication and commitment to the next generation of leaders.
  When I was a student at Coachella Valley High School, my goal was to 
one day attend medical school and become a doctor. That dream often 
felt very far away, and at times I wondered whether it might come true. 
If it wasn't for the support and encouragement of my teachers and 
counselors, especially Mr. Barboza, I do not know whether I would have 
achieved my lifelong dream of becoming a physician.
  Mr. Barboza was my guidance counselor and mentor, as he has been for 
thousands of students over the years. Few people have had such a 
positive impact on my life. Mr. Barboza drove me to become a better 
student and a better person. He taught me the value of hard work, 
integrity, and perseverance.
  Like me, many students in my congressional district aspire to pursue 
a higher education but often struggle to afford the application fees, 
tuition, textbooks, and many other expenses. When the time came for me 
to apply for college and money was tight at home, Mr. Barboza paid for 
my application, as I am sure he has done for others. Without his 
generosity, the first step in my journey towards becoming a doctor 
would never have been possible.
  Mr. Barboza has also lent his voice to local and national 
conversations about the rising cost of higher education. As someone on 
the front lines of our public school system, I hope he will continue to 
enrich this discussion with his insights.
  In recognition of the positive impact he has had on my life and the 
lives of countless students and alumni of Coachella Valley High School, 
it was my privilege to host Mr. Barboza as my guest for President 
Barack Obama's 2015 State of the Union Address. Now, on the eve of his 
retirement, I am honored to congratulate my counselor and mentor, Mr. 
Rafael Barboza, on his well-earned retirement and wish him health and 
happiness in this new chapter of life.

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