[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 66 (Thursday, April 18, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING VICTORIA HINOJOS FOR RECEIVING THE GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD

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                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2019

  Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Brownsville, Texas 
native Victoria Hinojos, who has earned the Girl Scouts of the USA Gold 
Award.
  Victoria joins a selective group of scouts, and she should be proud 
of this recognition. The Girl Scouts of the USA Gold award symbolizes 
outstanding accomplishments in leadership, community service, career 
planning, and personal development. The award is contingent upon 
earning four interest project patches, the Career Exploration Pin, the 
Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, and completing the Senior Girl 
Scout Challenge. A scout must also complete a Gold Project, in which 
scouts identify and lead a project on a pressing issue in the 
community.
  For her Gold Project, Victoria assisted families affected by domestic 
violence in the Rio Grande Valley. I am impressed with her efforts to 
provide the Friendship of Women Shelter in Brownsville with additional 
resources. She went above and beyond the expectations, raising 
awareness in the community and collaborating with partners, local 
organizations, and fellow Girl Scout Gold Awardee--Hannah Edelstein.
  In addition to her personal development within the Girl Scouts, 
Victoria excels at Saint Joseph Academy in Brownsville, Texas, earning 
second honors since freshman year. She is an active member of the 
National Art Honors Society, Rotary Interact Club, and the Varsity 
Dance team. Additionally, she teaches tap dance classes at the 
Brownsville Dance Center, highlighting her leadership skills outside of 
the classroom.
  It is a great honor to recognize Victoria. Her work and service make 
our district a better community, and I am confident that the skills and 
life lessons she learns through Girl Scouts will prove to be invaluable 
in her future endeavors. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
her achievements, work, and service.

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