[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15776]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE EXCEPTIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ACCEPTED INTO THE 
                      WAUKEGAN TO COLLEGE PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 14, 2014

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to honor 
Jazmin Bahena, Luz Cruz, Roberto Flores, Vanessa Flores, Maria Gaytan-
Martinez, Marely Guadiana, Hansel Lopez, Mirian Lopez, Deshawn 
Mitchell, Stephanie Pakula, Victor Solano, Mauricio Sosa Cardenas, 
Fernando Tovar and Magruilio Zuniga for their admittance into the 
Waukegan to College program.
  Launched in 2009, W2C seeks to advance local students' intellectual 
and emotional development, cultivating a strong commitment to community 
and a profound belief that they can build a brighter future for 
themselves, their families and their communities. By establishing high 
academic expectations and counseling students and their families on the 
college application process, W2C helps students realize their full 
potential by making the dream of college a reality.
  All first-generation college students, these young people were 
selected for the W2C program because of their impressive academic 
achievements as well as their contributions to their communities. As 
leaders in the classroom, these students demonstrated tremendous 
resolve in overcoming difficult obstacles as well as dedication to 
positively contribute to society.
  In order to revitalize our communities, we must dedicate ourselves to 
rebuilding the ladders of opportunity so that all Americans are assured 
the prospect of personal advancement. This requires providing each and 
every child, regardless of zip code, access to a high quality, 
affordable education.
  When our nation's talented young people pursue their passions and 
follow their dreams, they accomplish far more than personal growth. By 
applying to college and achieving individual success, these young 
leaders embody and advance an ethos that permeates into all aspects of 
society. Their efforts inspire hope and promise among their families, 
friends and neighbors, igniting a social transformation that has the 
potential to dramatically reshape our local communities and our nation.
  These students truly are Champions of Change. I wish them all the 
best of luck in their future endeavors.

                          ____________________