Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-14

HONORING THE STUDENTS OF HARMONY SCHOOL OF INNOVATION'S SERVICE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY

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On 2026-05-14, Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE STUDENTS OF HARMONY SCHOOL OF INNOVATION'S SERVICE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE STUDENTS OF HARMONY SCHOOL OF INNOVATION'S SERVICE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E448] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE STUDENTS OF HARMONY SCHOOL OF INNOVATION'S SERVICE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY ______ HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ of texas in the house of representatives Thursday, May 14, 2026 Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend students Ahmed Sarihan, Julio Huereca, Jacob De la Cruz, Vianney Garza, and Laura Hernandez of the Harmony School of Innovation's Service Leadership Society (SLS) in Brownsville, Texas, for their outstanding achievement at the SLS State Conference. I would also like to congratulate their club sponsor, Ms. Priscilla Martinez. These students successfully passed a bill alongside their peers, demonstrating tremendous intellect and dedication for improving South Texas communities through leadership and civic engagement. Their proposal sought to ensure safe drinking water in schools by requiring public and charter schools to conduct biannual testing of water fountains and bottle filling stations. By leveraging existing state and local agencies, their plan demonstrated both practicality and a strong commitment to public health. This team worked hard over the course of the year, refining their proposal during after-school sessions, while learning first-hand about public service and policymaking. At the State Conference, they debated on the floor of the Texas State Capitol, persuading peers from SLS chapters from across Texas to vote in favor of their bill. Students like these who pursue civic engagement set a powerful example for their peers and community. I am proud of their contribution to the culture of debate and problem-solving that makes South Texas and the United States so great. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I commend these students for their initiative to build stronger and healthier communities. I cannot wait to see what other achievements they will have in future years. I hope their success inspires more students to become involved in public service across the region. ____________________

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HONORING THE STUDENTS OF HARMONY SCHOOL OF INNOVATION'S SERVICE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E448] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE STUDENTS OF HARMONY SCHOOL OF INNOVATION'S SERVICE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY ______ HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ of texas in the house of representatives Thursday, May 14, 2026 Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend students Ahmed Sarihan, Julio Huereca, Jacob De la Cruz, Vianney Garza, and Laura Hernandez of the Harmony School of Innovation's Service Leadership Society (SLS) in Brownsville, Texas, for their outstanding achievement at the SLS State Conference. I would also like to congratulate their club sponsor, Ms. Priscilla Martinez. These students successfully passed a bill alongside their peers, demonstrating tremendous intellect and dedication for improving South Texas communities through leadership and civic engagement. Their proposal sought to ensure safe drinking water in schools by requiring public and charter schools to conduct biannual testing of water fountains and bottle filling stations. By leveraging existing state and local agencies, their plan demonstrated both practicality and a strong commitment to public health. This team worked hard over the course of the year, refining their proposal during after-school sessions, while learning first-hand about public service and policymaking. At the State Conference, they debated on the floor of the Texas State Capitol, persuading peers from SLS chapters from across Texas to vote in favor of their bill. Students like these who pursue civic engagement set a powerful example for their peers and community. I am proud of their contribution to the culture of debate and problem-solving that makes South Texas and the United States so great. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I commend these students for their initiative to build stronger and healthier communities. I cannot wait to see what other achievements they will have in future years. I hope their success inspires more students to become involved in public service across the region. ____________________