[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 95 (Friday, June 8, 2018)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E816-E817] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING KENT BRAITHWAITE ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS A SOCIAL STUDIES AND ENGLISH TEACHER AT COACHELLA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL ______ HON. RAUL RUIZ of california in the house of representatives Friday, June 8, 2018 Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Kent Braithwaite on his retirement after 39 years of service as a teacher, counselor, and role model for the students of Coachella Valley High School. During his tenure, Mr. Braithwaite has left an indelible impression on countless students. As a social studies and English teacher, an advisor, and a mentor, he has helped countless students prepare for and pursue a college education. More importantly, he instilled in his students a lifelong love of learning. Many years ago, I was one of those students in Mr. Braithwaite's English class. I like to think I tried my best in every class--but Mr. Braithwaite was the kind of teacher who not only taught, but inspired his students to work even harder. He challenged my classmates and me every day, pushing us to write clearly, read carefully, and question the beliefs and assumptions we brought to his classroom. In the Coachella Valley--the region I grew up in and have the privilege to represent--there are still far too many young people who drop out of school before they can graduate or pursue a higher education. Teachers like Mr. Braithwaite are helping to show these students that they can achieve their dreams by pursuing their education. During his nearly four decades of teaching, Mr. Braithwaite has served his fellow teachers [[Page E817]] and the Coachella Valley Unified School District in various leadership positions, and received prestigious recognitions from the California State Assembly, the House of Representatives, and many local advocacy organizations for his excellence in teaching. Most importantly, he has the gratitude of thousands of Coachella Valley High School alumni. Mr. Braithwaite is joining his wife and fellow teacher, Jennifer Braithwaite, for a well-earned retirement. Over her 38-year career, Mrs. Braithwaite invited Holocaust survivors and Vietnam veterans to speak to her classes, gave out scholarships to her students, and helped bring the Advanced Placement program to Coachella Valley High School. Like her husband, Mrs. Braithwaite has always gone above and beyond to serve her students. On behalf of all the students whose lives Mr. and Mrs. Braithwaite have touched, I would like to offer my sincerest thanks and congratulations to them both on their inspiring and meaningful careers. ____________________