Rep. Ratcliffe commends students on completion of congressional internships in Rockwall office

(WASHINGTON, August 16, 2018) Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas) congratulated Joel Abraham, Jestina George, Lane Pounds and Jamie Warren today for their successful completion of congressional internships in his Rockwall district office this summer.

“I’d like to thank Joel, Jestina, Lane, and Jamie for their hard work in my Rockwall district office this summer. Serving 700,000 people across 18 counties in Northeast Texas wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the selfless contributions from young folks like them who have such an inspiring heart for civil service,” Ratcliffe said. 

Rep. John Ratcliffe and Joel Abraham

Joel Abraham graduated from North Garland High School in 2014, and he graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2017 with a degree in economics. He is pursuing a law degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Abraham was a former political advisor at Pro-Life Mavericks and currently volunteers at his local church.

Abraham said he was surprised by the amount of casework that Ratcliffe’s office handled, and he was inspired to see the dedication that the district staff displayed in assisting each constituent – however large or small their issue was.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to intern at Congressman John Ratcliffe’s district office. It was an amazing opportunity to assist the staff in their work for the constituents of the 4th District of Texas. I now have a stronger admiration for public service,” Abraham said.

Rep. John Ratcliffe and Jestina George

Jestina George graduated from Rockwall High School in 2017. She is a sophomore at University of Texas at Dallas studying computer science. George is very involved at her church where she sings on the worship team and assists with the children’s ministry.

George said she was thankful to see how dedicated Ratcliffe is to representing and serving his constituents. She noted that his passion for cybersecurity was inspiring.

“This internship has opened my eyes to many issues that our country currently faces. I learned that every person has a voice, each opinion matters, and anyone has the ability to combat our nation’s issues. After graduation, I would like to serve our country through working in the cybersecurity field,” George said.

Rep. John Ratcliffe and Lane Pounds

Lane Pounds graduated from Poetry Community Christian School in 2016. He is now a junior at Southern Methodist University, studying history. Pounds enjoys playing basketball, reading, and said he is the the biggest New York Giants fan in Texas.

Pounds said he was very surprised to see how involved Ratcliffe’s district office was with the constituents of the 4th District of Texas, and said he enjoyed assisting Ratcliffe’s district staff in serving constituents on a daily basis.

“I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work for Congressman Ratcliffe’s office. I leaned many valuable lessons that will help me moving forward,” Pounds said.

Rep. John Ratcliffe and Jamie Warren

Jamie Warren graduated from Rockwall-Heath Heath High School in 2017. He is a sophomore at Trinity University, studying business analytics and management. Warren enjoys varsity swimming, attending campus church organizations, and is involved with the Rotary Club.

Warren said his internship greatly sharpened his interpersonal and communication skills through interaction with constituents who had radically different viewpoints, personalities and behaviors.

“I am incredibly thankful for my experience interning this summer in Congressman Ratcliffe’s district office. Now, more than ever, I am truly comfortable speaking to individuals about any range of topics. I also understand that one must take action in order for change to occur and progress to be made in this country,” Warren said.

Submitted press release by Rachel Stephens, Communications Director, Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas), for publication in Blue Ribbon News. 

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