[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 107 (Thursday, June 25, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING JORGE ANDRES TORRES GONZALEZ ON WINNING THE 2026 
                           ORATORICAL CONTEST

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2026

  Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Jorge Andres 
Torres Gonzalez on winning the 2026 Oratorical Contest of The American 
Legion, Department of Puerto Rico. Jorge's achievement reflects the 
excellence, discipline, and civic commitment that define his character 
and promise as a young leader.
  From his early years, Jorge has demonstrated exceptional qualities of 
responsibility, discipline, and service. Throughout his academic 
career, he has maintained an outstanding record, earning recognition as 
Student of the Year in sixth grade and graduating as Valedictorian of 
his eighth-grade class. He continues as an Honor Roll student at TASIS 
Dorado, setting a standard of academic excellence that speaks to his 
dedication and intellectual curiosity.
  Beyond the classroom, Jorge has taken on meaningful leadership roles. 
He has served as Freshman Class Vice President, Historian and Secretary 
of the Executive Student Council, and Secretary General of the Model 
United Nations Club. Through these positions, he has demonstrated 
maturity, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to representing his 
peers with integrity.
  Jorge has distinguished himself in debate and oratory, communicating 
complex ideas with clarity, respect, and critical thinking. These 
skills are essential to active and responsible citizenship. He has also 
demonstrated a profound commitment to community service, dedicating his 
volunteer work to supporting the elderly, recognizing in them an 
invaluable source of wisdom and experience.
  As a member of Sons of the American Legion and a representative of 
American Legion Post 45 of Dorado. Jorge prepared rigorously for the 
Department contest, practicing faithfully each Thursday after school. 
His discipline and preparation paid off. He was selected as winner of 
the Puerto Rico Department Oratorical Contest and will now represent 
Puerto Rico at the national level at Hillsdale College in Michigan, an 
extraordinary honor for a young leader from our island.
  Jorge exemplifies the values of leadership, patriotism, civic 
responsibility, academic excellence, community service, and respect for 
our Constitution. He represents the best of Puerto Rico's future: 
citizens who are educated, committed, and willing to serve others with 
purpose and integrity.
  I urge all citizens of Puerto Rico to recognize Jorge's achievement 
and celebrate his example as inspiration for the next generation of 
young leaders.

                          ____________________