[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1699-E1700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO CAITRIONA RAFFERTY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2018

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Ms. Caitriona 
Rafferty for her service to my office and the people of California's 
Twenty First Congressional District.
  Ms. Rafferty was born August 7, 1993 in Westwood, New Jersey to her 
parents, Brian and Maria Rafferty. One of four children, Caitriona grew 
up in Tenafly, New Jersey with her three siblings Ciara, Angela, and 
Thomas who she remains close with today. Growing up, Caitriona played 
an active role in her church and giving back to the community; 
attending mission trips and making time to be a Sunday School teacher. 
During her time at home, she helped repair houses and loved to play 
sports. In high school, Caitriona was captain of the Tenafly Tigers 
Volleyball team and co-captain of the St. Brigid's Ladies Gaelic 
Football Junior Team. Her hard work and dedication to the sport was a 
driving force that led her fellow teammates to the Junior Gaelic 
Football Championship and the World Games Championship in Ireland as a 
part of the New York Gaelic Athletic Association ``All Stars'' team.

[[Page E1700]]

  After graduating with honors from Tenafly High School, Ms. Rafferty 
went on to attend Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. 
While in college, Caitriona developed an interest in politics and began 
volunteering for local campaigns including Paul Vagianos for State 
Assembly and Christine Ordway for State Assembly. In Spring 2016, 
Caitriona studied abroad at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy where 
she had the opportunity to expand her worldly views, attend a Catholic 
Easter Mass at the Vatican, and make lifelong friendships. In May 2017, 
Caitriona graduated from Sacred Heart University with her Bachelor of 
Science in Political Science.
  Caitriona joined my team as an Intern in my Washington, D.C. office 
in September 2017 and was quickly offered a full-time position on my 
staff as Staff Assistant in November 2017. As Staff Assistant, Ms. 
Rafferty was instrumental to my team through managing my D.C. 
internship program, assisting my constituents by planning tours in the 
nation's capital, and assisting staff with legislative and 
communication projects. In February 2018, Ms. Rafferty was promoted to 
Legislative Correspondent. In this capacity, she ensured every 
constituent concern or question was promptly addressed.
  Ms. Rafferty's laid-back personality and steadfast work ethic was a 
valuable asset to my office. She was greatly respected by her peers for 
attention to detail and dedication to her work. Outside of work, 
Caitriona enjoys going to the movie theater, listening to podcasts, 
wandering through museums, but above all, she loves spending time with 
friends and family.
  Ms. Rafferty's time with my office will come to an end at the 
beginning of the 116th Congress on January 3, 2019. I have no doubt she 
will continue to be successful and grow professionally in her future 
endeavors.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in commending Ms. Caitriona Rafferty for her 
public service to the people of California's Central Valley and wishing 
her well as she embarks on the next chapter of her life.

                          ____________________