[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 135 (Friday, August 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E768-E769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO YOUNG STAFF MEMBERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE 
   PEOPLE OF THE 18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS AND THE UNITED 
                                 STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 11, 2023

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to extend my deepest 
appreciation and profound gratitude to the extraordinary legislative 
fellows who have graced my office with their unwavering dedication and 
unyielding commitment.
  Members of Congress know well, perhaps better than most, how blessed 
our Nation is to have in reserve such exceptional young men and women 
who will go on to become leaders in their local communities, states and 
the Nation in the areas of business, education, law, government, 
philanthropy, the arts and culture, and the military.
  We know this because we see them and the benefits from their 
contributions everyday. Many of them work for us in our offices as 
junior staff members, congressional fellows, or interns and they do 
amazing work for and on behalf of the constituents we are privileged to 
represent.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe there in no higher calling than the call to 
serve a cause larger than ourselves.
  That is why I ran for public office. I was inspired to serve by so 
many great public figures that came before me. I was inspired to serve 
by President Kennedy who said,'' Ask not what your country can do for 
you, ask what you can do for your country,'' and by the Rev. Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr. who said: ``Everybody can be great because anybody can 
serve. . . . You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by 
love.''
  By this measure there are several other great young men and women who 
served as legislative fellows this Spring and Summer in my office. Each 
day, they exemplified the highest standards of excellence, bringing 
forth fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and an unrelenting drive to 
effect positive change

[[Page E769]]

within our cherished community. Their tireless efforts to address the 
diverse needs and pressing concerns of our constituents resonate deeply 
with the values we hold dear.
  In the pursuit of serving the constituents of the 18th Congressional 
District of Texas, their contributions have been nothing short of 
remarkable.
  That is why today I rise to pay tribute to fourteen extraordinary 
young persons for their service to my constituents of the 18th 
Congressional District of Texas and to the American people. They are:
  Panashe Siachitema, Texas Tech University
  Ramanpreet Kaur, Indiana University
  Amy Arceo, Texas A&M University
  Ainsley Gill, Vanderbilt University
  Joel Crawford, Harvard University
  Kevin Darmadi, Geroge Washington University
  Lindsey O'Neal, Payne International Development Fellowship
  Niyonsaba Magnifique, Payne International Development Fellowship
  Vanessa Rogers-Wright, Charles B. Rangel International Affairs 
Program
  Wilson Pemboh, Texas Tech University
  Alexandra Wilhelm, Pepperdine University
  Parker Milligan, Oglethorpe University
  J Hardy, Howard University
  Carrington Blair, Jackson State University
  Mr. Speaker, the energy, intelligence and idealism that these 
wonderful young people brought to my office and those interning in the 
offices of my colleagues help keep our democracy vibrant. The insights, 
skills, and knowledge of the governmental process they gain from their 
experiences will last a lifetime and prove invaluable to them as they 
go about making their mark in this world.
  Because of people like them the future of our country is bright, and 
its best days lie ahead. I wish them all well.

                          ____________________