HONORING WOMEN OF THE YEAR: MELISSA EDWARDS

On 2026-10-15, Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-8) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING WOMEN OF THE YEAR: MELISSA EDWARDS" in the House.

HONORING WOMEN OF THE YEAR: MELISSA EDWARDS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 161 (Thursday, October 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 161 (Thursday, October 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1088] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING WOMEN OF THE YEAR: MELISSA EDWARDS ______ HON. JOHN GARAMENDI of california in the house of representatives Thursday, October 15, 2026 Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Melissa Edwards as one of California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year. Melissa is recognized for her extraordinary dedication to youth, community service, and the people of Vallejo, California. Melissa has devoted decades to supporting young people in her community, she taught kids about wildlife at Marine World and later worked for the Child Support Division, ensuring parents were fulfilling their responsibilities to their children. Melissa has spent a number of hours volunteering with the local Boy Scouts and continues to spend a few weeks every year planning a curriculum in addition to facilitating the fun science activities for the Scouts Day camps. Melissa has supported the Cal Poly Maritime Academy in Vallejo by providing home cooked meals for the students and has taught many kitchen skills and cooking classes for the youth. Through her business ``Enchanted Cottage Kitchen'', Melissa was one of the first home kitchen that was certified through Solano County, paving the way for future home kitchen businesses. Beyond these contributions, Melissa has played an instrumental role in sustaining the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame, helping preserve the history of athletics in Vallejo and ensuring future generations receive the support they deserve for local sports programs. She has spent her life strengthening the community through support, teaching, resources and kindness. On behalf of the people of California's eighth Congressional District, I am pleased to honor Melissa Edwards for her unwavering commitment to service and her lasting contributions to the city of Vallejo. ____________________