[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 100 (Thursday, June 13, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3978-H3979]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
                    HONORING MARTIN ESCALANTE ORTIZ

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Correa) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Martin Escalante Ortiz 
on his 100th birthday.
  Martin is part of America's Greatest Generation. Born in 1924, Mr. 
Ortiz served in our Nation's United States Army during World War II. 
For his service, he received several medals for his service, including 
the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
  After the war, Martin returned home and cared for his younger 
siblings before he married his wife, Maria, in 1955. Together, they 
raised 10 children and built a legacy that includes 21 grandchildren 
and 18 great-grandchildren.
  In the late 1950s, Martin moved to Orange County and joined our 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish Martin a happy birthday, and I thank him for his 
service to our country and to our community.


                 Honoring Espiridion ``Speed'' Castillo

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Espiridion Castillo, known in our community as Speed.
  Speed was an Air Force veteran, cherished father, dedicated educator, 
and esteemed community leader.
  How did he get the nickname ``Speed''? He ran the 400-meter in 
Flagstaff, Arizona, in 50 seconds and covered 800 meters in 2 minutes.
  Speed dedicated over 30 years of his life to Anaheim Union High 
School District as a teacher, counselor, truant officer, principal, and 
director of Federal projects. He also spent almost 50 years as a high 
school sports referee.
  Speed often helped those in need, including students who couldn't 
afford the graduation expenses.
  He leaves behind a lasting legacy and is survived by son, Michael; 
daughters, Michelle and Lisa; and three grandchildren.
  I thank Speed for his service. We love him, and we will never forget 
him.


                  Recognizing Dr. Christopher Downing

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of 
Anaheim Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Chris Downing.
  Dr. Downing dedicated the last 6 years of his career to leading the 
largest elementary school district in California, where he oversaw 
tremendous progress in science, arts, math, and music education.
  Notably, Dr. Downing expanded learning opportunities and created 
after-school programs for our children. He made sure that our community 
was a leader in dual language programs, launching Spanish, Korean, and 
Mandarin programs for all of our students.
  During Dr. Downing's tenure, our elementary school district won many 
Statewide recognitions, including the California Department of 
Education's Pivotal Practice Award for effectiveness during the 
pandemic.
  Dr. Downing's 35 years as an educator have demonstrated his 
commitment to the education of our children.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish Dr. Downing a happy retirement, and I 
congratulate and thank him.

[[Page H3979]]

  

                          ____________________