Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-13

RECOGNIZING MS. MARTHA ELIAS

EnvironmentForeign Policy

Context

On 2026-01-13, Representative David G. Valadao (R-CA-22) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING MS. MARTHA ELIAS" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered foreign policy.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING MS. MARTHA ELIAS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026) [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. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING MS. MARTHA ELIAS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026) [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. ____________________