[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING CHARLENE VAZQUEZ'S RETIREMENT AFTER 34 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ILHAN OMAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2026

  Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Charlene Vazquez on the 
occasion of her retirement. It brings great pleasure to me today to 
celebrate the remarkable achievements of Ms. Vazquez, a respected 
educator and community leader, whose work at Pillsbury House + Theater 
for the past 34 years has touched the lives of many young people and 
families in Minnesota. She has inspired generations of young children 
to become lifelong learners and engaged citizens. Children she taught 
have sought her out to teach their own children.
  At Pillsbury House, Ms. Vazquez's contributions have gone far beyond 
teaching. She has been a mentor, an advocate, and a guiding force for 
many generations of students who have faced life's struggles with 
bravery and determination. She has achieved an impressive 100 percent 
ready for kindergarten designation for every child in her care.
  Every single day, Ms. Vazquez showed up with the intention, the 
patience, and the love needed to make a difference in places that were 
too often ignored and under-supported. She recognizes the value of an 
educational experience that is culturally relevant while making sure 
that young people--especially people of color and immigrants--could see 
themselves reflected in their learning environments.
  It is impossible to calculate the value of Ms. Vazquez's impact on 
our community based solely on the number of years she spent working 
tirelessly, but it can be counted in students whose lives she inspired 
and families she uplifted. Her dedication has made our community 
stronger.
  Today, we honor Charlene Vazquez as she retires from her many years 
of service to the community, and we celebrate her commitment to 
education, to equity, and to creating a better future for generations 
to come. This is the true measure of an educator and a leader whose 
effort to build brighter tomorrows will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________