Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Veronica Christiansen, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, troop 472, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in girl scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include: 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, 2. Earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, 3. Earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, 4. Designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl scouting, and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her gold award project, Veronica refurbished and painted a playground. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Veronica Christiansen for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Cheryl Halsey, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 985, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a Scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include, 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, 2. Earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, 3. Earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 15 Hours of work using leadership skills, 4. Designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote Girl Scouting, and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award project, Cheryl created handicapped parking at more than ten city buildings. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Cheryl Halsey for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dawn Hardy, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 1166, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include, (1) Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, (2) earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, (3) earning the senior Girl Scout leadership award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, (4) designing a self development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote Girl Scouting, and (5) spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award project, Dawn created a self-esteem awareness program. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dawn Hardy for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Evelyn Howard, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, troop 1230, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include: 1. earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, 2. earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, 3. earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, 4. designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote Girl Scouting, and 5. spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award project, Evelyn created a web site on college admissions at geocite.com. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Evelyn Howard for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kelly Hult, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 971, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in girl scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include: (1) earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration; (2) earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip; (3) Earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills; (4) Designing a self development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl scouting; and (5) spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award project, Kelly organized a father/daughter hike for a service unit. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kelly Hult for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Elizabeth Clark, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 985, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in girl scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include, (1) Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, (2) earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, (3) earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, (4) designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl scouting, and (5) spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award project, Elizabeth created handicapped parking for more than ten city buildings. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Elizabeth Clark for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, my flight was inevitably delayed leading to circumstances beyond my control. Therefore I was not able to be present for the record votes on Tuesday, March 4, 2003. Had I been present I would have voted in the affirmative for: H. Res. 106--Congratulating Lutheran schools, students, parents, teachers, administrators, and congregations across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education, and for other purposes; H. Con. Res. 54-- Honoring Visiting Nurses Association; and H. Res. 111--Honoring the legacy of Fred Rogers and his dedication to creating a more compassionate, kind, and loving world for children and adults.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Rachel Newell, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 472, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include, 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, 2. Earning the Career Exploration Pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, 3. Earning the senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, 4. Designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote Girl Scouting, and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award Project, Rachel refurbished and painted a playground. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Rachel Newell for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Devon Kilgore, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 1381, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include, 1. earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, 2. earning the Career Exploration Pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, 3. earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, 4. designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote Girl Scouting, and 5. spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award project, Devon organized nursing center interactions. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Devon Kilgore for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ashley Morgan, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 3248, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a Scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include: 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration; 2. Earning the Career Exploration Pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip; 3. Earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills; 4. Designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl Scouting; and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award project, Ashley organized a basketball camp for elementary and middle school girls. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ashley Morgan for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Melanie Kientzy, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 1230, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the gold award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a Scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include: (1) Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration; (2) earning the Career Exploration Pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip; (3) earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills; (4) designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl scouting; and (5) spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award project, Melanie set up a video library for the area agency on aging. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Melanie Kientzy for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ashley Fowler, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, troop 971, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the gold award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positivevalues, and leadership skills. The requirements include, 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, 2. Earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, 3. Earning the senior Girl Scout leadership award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, 4. Designing a self development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote Girl Scouting, and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award project, Ashley made baby quilts for Hope House. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ashley Fowler for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew Isadore Reyes, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Matthew has been very active with his troop, participating in summer camp at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation and earning the status of Brave in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. During the six years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 38 merit badges and is Brotherhood Member of The Order of the Arrow. Matthew also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements, earning the rank of Patrol Leader of the Panther Patrol and Runner at Camp Naish. For his Eagle Scout project, Matthew built two cedar benches and planted a tree for the Rolling Hills Community Church. He was able to get all of the materials for his project donated. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Isadore Reyes for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Stephen John Moore, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Stephen has been very active with his troop, earning his Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos rankings as well as his God and Me, God and Family, and the Arrow of Light Awards. Over the ten years he has been involved in Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, quartermaster, and senior patrol leader. Stephen also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements by becoming a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle Scout project, Stephen improved portions of a trail at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary. He constructed a rock bridge, two check dams, and a rocked part of the White Tail Trail, helping walkers get through the park more easily. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Stephen John Moore for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kevin ``Max'' Coldren, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Max has been very active with his troop, working on his God & Church award and attending the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for four years where he became brave in the tribe of MIC-O-SAY in 2001. Over the four years he has been involved in scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, den chief and bugler. Max also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements by becoming a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle Scout project, Max worked with doctors and nurses of Medical Aid for Children of Latin America (MACALA), helping them prepare for their 2003 journey to provide surgical and medical aid to the children of the Dominican Republic. Max and his team of scouts and scouters sorted, counted, packed and prepared for shipment medical supplies required for this mission. In addition, Max collected over 300 stuffed animals for the mission so that each child could receive a gift following surgery. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kevin ``Max'' Coldren for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sarah Doty, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 300, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the gold award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in girl scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include: 1. earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration; 2. earning the Career Exploration Pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip; 3. earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills; 4. designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl scouting; and 5. spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award project, Sarah organized a golf clinic for middle and high school girls. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Sarah Doty for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Katie Telgemeier, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, troop 1815, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in girl scouting. To earn the gold award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include: 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration; 2. Earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip; 3. Earning the senior girl scout leadership award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills; 4. Designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl scouting; and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a girl scout gold award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her gold award project, Katie updated and refurbished a girls locker room. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Katie Telgemeier for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sabrina Wells, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 300, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the gold award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include: 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration; 2. Earning the Career Exploration Pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip; 3. Earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills; 4. Designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote Girl Scouting; and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award project, Sabrina organized a golf clinic for middle and high school girls. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Sabrina Wells for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Amanda Toomey, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 3083, and in earning the most prestigious honor of The Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in girl scouting. To earn The Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include, (1). earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, (2). earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, (3). earning the senior girl scout leadership award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, (4). designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl scouting, and (5). spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award project, Amanda led a Daisy Troop. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Amanda Toomey for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of The Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Heidi Tilly, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 472, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the gold award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in girl scouting. To earn the gold award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include, 1. earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, 2. earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, 3. earning the senior girl scout leadership award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, 4. designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl scouting, and 5. spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her gold award project, Heidi refurbished and painted a playground. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Heidi Tilly for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the gold award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Lacey McElroy, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 1619, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in girl scouting. To earn the gold award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include, (1) Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, (2) earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, (3) earning the senior girl scout leadership award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, (4) designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl scouting, and (5) spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a girl scout gold award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her gold award project, Lacey organized an infant and child book drive for early reading programs. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Lacey McElroy for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the gold award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Katherine Tomlin, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 1002, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in girl scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include, 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, 2. Earning the Career Exploration Pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, 3. Earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, 4. Designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl scouting, and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community. For her Gold Award project, Katherine made lap blankets for the hidden Lake Care Center. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Katherine Tomlin for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew Alan Vanecek, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Matthew has been very active with his troop, participating in summer camp at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation and earning the Brave in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. During the nine years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 57 merit badges and is brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. Matthew also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements by earning the Bear Claw Award, the God and Me Award, the God and Family Award and the Arrow of Light Award. For his Eagle Scout project, Matthew planned and built a wooden swing set for the Salvation Army Community Center. The set is built so that it could be moved to other locations if necessary. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Alan Vanecek for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Andrew Joseph Gordon, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, troop 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Andrew has been very active with his troop, where he progressed to the rank of Webelos. He also participated in summer camp at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation and earning the status of warrior in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. During the thirteen years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 41 merit badges and is brotherhood member of the order of the arrow. Andrew also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements, earning the Bear Claw award, the God & Me Award, and the Arrow of Light award. Andrew has also served in a variety of leadership positions, including Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. For his Eagle Scout Project, Andrew built a rock foot bridge and rocked part of the path at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary in Parkville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew Joseph Gordon for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize William Barret Sims, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. William has been very active with his troop, earning the ranks of bobcat, wolf, bear, and webelos as well as participating in summer camp at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation and earning the status of warrior in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. During the ten years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 35 merit badges and is Brotherhood Member of The Order of the Arrow. William also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements, earning the bear claw award, the God & Me award, the arrow of light award, and the god and church award. William has also served in many leadership capacities, including patrol leader, assistant patrol leader and assistant senior patrol leader. For his Eagle Scout project, William planned, designed, and with the help of fellow scouts, built an outdoor storage shed for a habitat for humanity home located in Kansas City north, providing much needed storage space for the lawn and outdoor equipment of the homeowners. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending William Barret Sims for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.