[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 194 (Wednesday, December 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING VENANCIO CHAVEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 14, 2022

  Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional 
advocacy and service of community leader Venancio Chavez.
  Born on May 18, 1962, in Hidalgo, Mexico, Mr. Chavez immigrated to 
Santa Ana, California, in 1986, where he soon became a community leader 
and advocate for educational equity in the Santa Ana Unified School 
District.
  Mr. Chavez advocacy work was conducted through his membership with 
several Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs). As president of Garfield 
Elementary's PTA from 1995 to 1998, he worked for better safety and 
quality of life for the students and parents. He helped plant hedges 
that served a safety barrier and he also established a community 
garden.
  His leadership continued as a member of the Villa Fundamental Junior 
High School PTA from 2001 to 2004. During this time, he advocated for 
equal opportunities for disadvantaged and disabled students. His 
advocacy led to the creation of the lottery system for incoming 
students for all fundamental high schools in the City of Santa Ana.
  As PTA President at Century High School from 2004 to 2008, he 
increased parent attendance at PTA meetings by inspiring them to become 
more involved on campus. Additionally, he spearheaded efforts to create 
community yard sales to fundraise for the PTA. These efforts afforded 
the school a lighted marquee to provide seamless communication with 
parents.
  One of his most lasting legacies is the founding of El Sol Science 
and Arts Academy, which opened in Santa Ana in 2001 with 1,000 students 
in preschool through eighth grade. El Sol Academy is a leading dual-
immersion public charter school that offers an intensive academic 
instructional program that prepares students for high school and 
beyond. His goal of providing greater access to high education for 
Santa Ana's low-income families has been realized as El Sol students 
have gone on to attend the top colleges and universities throughout our 
nation.
  Mr. Chavez continued his advocacy work with Orange Coast College as 
President of the school's Extended Opportunity and Services Program. In 
this position, Mr. Chavez endeavored to bring inclusivity within higher 
education by fostering community ties through campus engagement and 
provide students with equitable resources. Student and family 
engagement increased due to his efforts.
  In 2012, Venancio Chavez graduated from Orange Coast College with his 
Associates degree, with a certificate in Special Education, and he 
later earned his certificate to become a veterinarian assistant. Mr. 
Chavez is a volunteer food distributor with Saddleback Church. He also 
supports the Ebell Club of Santa Ana and has dedicated more than 25 
years of service to the French Park Plaza Homeowners' Association Board 
of Directors.
  Venancio Chavez is a dedicated man who strives to assist anyone who 
may need help. Through his advocacy and dedication to public service, 
Mr. Chavez has uplifted his local community and helped improve equity 
and access to higher education for school children in the City of Santa 
Ana.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the exceptional advocacy 
and service of community leader Venancio Chavez.

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