U.S. Representative Nick Rahall (D-WV) recently expressed his gratitude for Caitlin Elizabeth Ray, a Huntington resident, on her completion of an eight week internship in his Washington, DC office.

“Caitlin is a dedicated and charismatic young woman who has been an asset to my office and the wonderful people of southern West Virginia,” said Rahall.  “Her presence has been highly appreciated, and she has a promising future ahead of her.”

Ray, 21, is a 2005 graduate of Cabell Midland High School and is currently majoring in Political Science with a minor in History at Shepherd University.  A Promise Scholar, she served as the Vice President of Shepherd University Young Democrats last year and is currently serving as the President. Ray also participates in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life as a Team Captain and is a member of the Shepherd University Catholic Campus Ministries.

Upon completion of her undergraduate degree at Shepherd University in May 2009, Ray plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public service. While on Capitol Hill, Ray has assisted Congressman Rahall and his staff by attending hearings on critical issues to southern West Virginia such as education and foreign relations, conducting research, and helping with constituent correspondence.

“I would like to thank Congressman Rahall for this incredible opportunity,” said Ray. “I had always dreamed of working on Capitol Hill, and it is hard to believe that I was fortunate enough to see this dream come to pass. I enjoyed being able to observe first hand how the federal legislative process operates and will use the invaluable knowledge gained from this experience to help further my education.”

Caitlin is the oldest daughter of David and Beth Woelfel Ray of Huntington, and is the sister of Megan Ray who also interned this summer in Congressman Rahall’s Huntington and DC offices.