I invited 6 year-old Teighler Gella, who is a first grader at Saint Joseph's School in Waipahu to do the invocation on the floor of the Hawaii State House of Representatives. She was so cute! Below is her invocation followed by my floor announcement introducing her:
Invocation by 6 year-old Teighler Gella on March 1, 2004:
My name is Teighler Carissa Rabago Gella. I am 6 years old, and I attend first grade at Saint Joseph's School in Waipahu.
Let us pray.
Thank you God for giving us the opportunity to share together in the process of making decisions for our State. Bless the Members of this House and give them the strength and wisdom to make the best decisions for Hawaii's future.
I trust that you will guide them to provide great opportunities for our people, especially in 11 years when I can register to vote and for the years that follow when I am able to run for office.
Oh, and God, I don't really know what kinds of decisions a Representative makes, but it will be my birthday on Sunday, and if they can get my parents to buy me a pony, I would really appreciate it.
Amen.
Thank you.
(End)
Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu
House Floor Announcement
March 1, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I would like to make some introductions.
I would like to re-introduce to this body Ms. Teighler Gella, who just gave a great invocation on the House floor. She is six years old going on twenty, but will turn seven this week. After all, she is already thinking of becoming a politician. And you guys think I'm young.
Teighler is the daughter of Darryl Gella and Jennie Rabago, and the niece of Amoreena Rabago, clerk of the House Judiciary Committee for Representative Blake Oshiro. She is accompanied by her grandmother, Cari Rabago and her cousin, Logan Rabago, Amoreena's daughter. Will Representative Teighler Gella, Ms. Cari Rabago and Logan please rise and be recognized.
Teighler, you can go up and eat pizza now. Thank you.
(End)
JON RIKI KARAMATSU 