[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MS. MARTHA ELIAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 13, 2026

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Martha Elias 
for her well-earned retirement from Nueva High School and for her 
decades of dedicated service to the Lamont community. Shortly after 
completing her education in Mexico, Ms. Elias immigrated to the United 
States and began her professional career as a bilingual secretary at a 
printing company. Determined to further her education, she attended 
Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree 
in Spanish Teaching and Latin American Studies. In 1991, Ms. Elias 
continued her commitment to education by earning a teaching credential 
in Bakersfield, going on to serve students at both Arvin High School 
and Highland High School. Since 2010, Ms. Elias has been a trusted 
counselor and dedicated English Language Development Coordinator at 
Nueva High School.
  Through her compassion, professionalism, and deep cultural roots, she 
built meaningful relationships with students and families alike. She 
made it her mission to ensure every student felt supported, confident, 
and prepared with the skills needed to succeed beyond graduation. Ms. 
Elias' impact extends far beyond the classroom. She has been a mentor 
to colleagues, a trusted partner to parents, and a pillar of the 
greater Kern County community. As the Master of Ceremonies for academic 
award assemblies, she brought families together to celebrate student 
achievement, often receiving heartfelt thanks from parents whose 
children's lives she helped shape. Under her leadership and guidance, 
Nueva High School achieved significant milestones, including the 
highest graduation rate in alternative education, increased scholarship 
attainment, and record participation in ROTC programs.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in recognizing Ms. Martha Elias for her extraordinaly career, 
her lasting impact on generations of students, and her unwavering 
dedication to the Lamont community. Her service exemplifies the 
difference one committed educator can make, and she leaves behind a 
legacy that will be felt for years to come.

                          ____________________