Kenny Marchant

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill designating the facility of the United State Postal Service located at 11001 Dunklin Drive in St. Louis, Missouri as the William ``Bill'' Clay Post Office Building. Representing the people of St. Louis in this chamber for 32 years, Bill Clay was the consummate advocate for Civil Rights, labor, and his community. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in April of 1931, Clay grew up in the city and graduated from St. Louis University in 1953 with a bachelors degree in Political Science. After 2 years with the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, Clay returned home to begin his career serving the people of St. Louis. After spending some time as a real estate broker, Clay was elected to the Board of Aldermen in 1959. He held this position, representing the 26th Ward until 1964. When Bill Clay, Sr. was elected to Congress in 1968, he was the first African American member elected from Missouri and one of only two African American representatives from states west of the Mississippi River. Throughout his 16 terms in Congress, he gained a reputation for his streetwise urban politics. A staunch advocate for civil rights and social justice, he also served as one of the founders of the Congressional Black Caucus. From 1991 to 1995 he chaired the House Committee on the Post Office and Civil Service and served as the Ranking Member on the Education and the Workforce Committee until he retired. In all that he did while he was serving the people of Missouri in Congress, he still found time to author several books. Bill Clay, Sr. retired from Congress in 2000 but his legacy lives on through his successor whom I am proud to serve with in this chamber. His successor also happens to be his son, the gentleman from Missouri, William Lacy Clay, Jr. I urge my colleagues to support me in this resolution honoring a man who spent over 3 decades serving his community, state, and country.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 5472 and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve my time.

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2650 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, as the ``Julia M. Carson Post Office Building.'' Julia May Carson dedicated her life to the service of this country. Her career in public service began in 1972 when she was elected to the Indiana State House of Representatives. This was the first of many victories to come. In her long and illustrious career, Julia never lost an election. In 1976, Julia ran for the Indiana State Senate, where she served 14 years. In 1990, she became the Trustee for the Center Township, a post she held for 6 years until she ran for the United States Congress, becoming both the first woman and the first African American to represent Indiana in Congress. As a daughter of a single mother who worked as a housekeeper and a graduate of a segregated public school in Indiana, Julia's background was very different from those of her fellow representatives, but in the 10 years she served the Seventh District of Indiana, Julia never forgot her roots. She tried hard to represent the poor and the working class of Indiana, concentrated her energies on women's rights, children's issues, and efforts to reduce homelessness. Throughout most of her time in Congress, Julia battled significant health problems. She finally succumbed to a lifelong struggle with lung cancer in December, 2007 at the age of 69. In honor of her years of faithful service to her country and to the great State of Indiana, I ask my fellow Members to join me in support of this bill and rename the post office located at 2650 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, in honor of her memory and long-lasting accomplishments. I would like to thank Mr. Visclosky for introducing this resolution and express my strong support for this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers at this time.

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my distinguished colleague from the State of North Carolina (Mrs. Myrick).

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield as much time as she may use to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Drake).

Mr. MARCHANT. I yield as much time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Virginia (Mr. Wittman).

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, born in North Carolina but a Virginian since the age of 9, Jo Ann Davis set the standard for Republican women in Virginia. After graduating from high school in Hampton, Virginia, she attended Hampton Roads Business College and became a real estate agent. Prior to her election to the House of Representatives in November 2000, she served in the General Assembly of Virginia. Subsequently, she was the first Republican woman elected in her own right to the United States Congress from the Commonwealth. Congresswoman Davis served honorably for four terms as the representative of the First Congressional District of Virginia. During her tenure, Congresswoman Davis served on the House Armed Services Committee and on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Congresswoman Davis was particularly proud of securing funding for the construction of the Navy's next-generation aircraft carrier, the CVN-21. In 2001, the House passed her first piece of legislation, H.R. 1015, the SGLI Adjustment Act which increased the amount of life insurance paid to beneficiaries of the Armed Forces who died in the performance of duty between November 2000 and April 2001. In 2005, Congresswoman Davis was diagnosed with breast cancer. Tragically, in 2007, the cancer returned and her condition rapidly worsened. Congresswoman Davis died in October at the age of 57 leaving behind her husband, Chuck Davis, and two sons and a granddaughter. Congresswoman Davis was an inspiration to so many of our Members, as well as her constituents, as she battled breast cancer courageously for over 2 years. Her determination to continue serving the citizens of the First District of Virginia while undergoing treatment set a remarkable standard of perseverance for many of us. I believe that the naming of the postal service located at 6892 Main Street in Gloucester, Virginia, after Congresswoman Davis is a fitting tribute to her years of public service. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene in Carrollton, Texas. Since its inception, the church has stood in the community as a symbol of perseverance and inspiration. This historic anniversary of the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene marks a time of remembrance of a storied past and renewal for a bright future. On April 6, 1958, a group of twelve founded the Valwood Church of the Nazarene in what would later evolve into the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene. At the time, all adults of the church became founding members. The first pastor was Rev. Monroe Burkhart and the song leader was Mrs. Jo Ann Marchant. Charter members included Rev. and Mrs. R.A. Holloway, Glen and Mary; Rev. and Mrs. M.S. Burkhart and Elson; Mr. and Mrs. Thurman Marchant; Mr. and Mrs. S.E. Marchant, Jr. and Mrs. Irene Cardwell. The founding members initially congregated at a building commonly referred to as the ``rabbit hutch'' on Harry Hines Boulevard. Over the coming years, the church relocated several times to worship at various locations including Carrollton City Hall, a store in downtown Carrollton, the Carrollton Community Center, individual homes, the basement of Valwood Parkway Baptist Church, local schools, a unit building on Dove Creek and Kelly Boulevard, and finally at Hebron Parkway. While the church has worshiped in many locations, its positive message has always remained the same. Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene as it celebrates 50 years of dedicated fellowship. Clergy and members of the past and present are to be commended for their service to the church and greater community. It is my hope the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene continues to stand as beacon of resolve, inspiration, and worship for many years to come.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I join my congressional colleagues in congratulating Dr. Ma Ying-jeou on his victory in Taiwan's recent Presidential election. The election was conducted with fairness and is free of any controversy. I wish Dr. Ma every success as he leads Taiwan forward in a period filled with many challenges but also filled with many opportunities for Taiwan to prosper and achieve even greater success. I look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with Taiwan under the leadership of the newly elected President Ma. The people of Taiwan have every reason to be proud of what they have achieved. In only 12 years Taiwan has made a peaceful and successful transition to democracy and has become one of Asia's most impressive and inspiring new democracies. In those 12 years Taiwan has completed four Presidential elections with close and spirited campaigns. As an American legislator, I look on the achievements of the people of Taiwan with admiration. The Taiwanese record is a model to the many other countries of the world of what can be accomplished by a transition to a freely elected democratic government. My sincere congratulations to Dr. Ma on his election and to the people of Taiwan for their participation in the election process.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jerry Herrin on the occasion of his retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce. Jerry Herrin was born in Arp, Texas in 1939. Mr. Herrin graduated from Arp High School and attended the University of Texas in Austin. Mr. Herrin is married to Nancy. He has three children: Lisa, Mike, and Brad. He is the proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Jesse, Ashley, Keller, Michael, and Andee. Jerry Herrin began his distinguished career working on the staff of the Austin Chamber of Commerce from 1963 to 1967. Mr. Herrin took his first job as a Chamber CEO in 1968 at the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, he has served as president and CEO of numerous Chambers including Conroe, Garland, and Temple. Jerry Herrin has served as president and CEO of Grapevine Chamber of Commerce since 1985. Mr. Herrin has dedicated himself to the betterment of the Grapevine community promoting area businesses, and supporting growth of new establishments, for over twenty-three years. Under his tenure, Mr. Herrin has secured dedicated members, many who serve on its committees and board of directors. Jerry Herrin has provided tremendous support for his community and his outstanding leadership is worthy of recognition. I wish Mr. Herrin a happy, healthy retirement, and a well deserved change of pace. It is an honor to represent him in the 24th District of Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Officer Paul Justin Coffee for being named the 2007 Police Officer of the Year by the Euless Police Department. Officer Justin Coffee has been with the Euless Police Department since March 2005. Prior to serving and protecting the Euless community, Officer Coffee was a police officer in Bedford, Texas for seven years. He holds an Advanced Peace Officer certification from the great state of Texas. Officer Justin Coffee, a native Texan, graduated from L.D. Bell High School and attended Tarrant County College. His father is a police sergeant in Hurst, Texas and his brother is a police officer in Bedford, Texas. Officer Coffee is married to Sarah and they have three children. During Officer Coffee's distinguished career in the Euless Police Department, he has received seven commendations, was nominated for the 2006 Rookie of the Year, and was selected as one of six Field Training Officers for the department. He consistently maintains a high level of competency and has gained much respect among his fellow police officers. It is with great honor that I recognize Officer Paul Justin Coffee for his dedication and outstanding service to the Euless Police Department and the City of Euless, Texas. I applaud his numerous achievements and wish him continued success in his service. I am proud to represent Officer Coffee in the 24th District of Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Honorable Laura Hill, a Southlake City Councilwoman, community and civic leader, as recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award presented by the Southlake Chamber of Commerce. Laura Hill has been a tireless public servant with a strong sense of stewardship to the entire Southlake community. Ms. Hill's public service truly speaks for itself. She is not only a City Councilwoman, but the Founder and President of SPARKS (Students and Parents Against Risks to Kids in Southlake), Co-founder and Vice President of the Southlake Angel Society, a member of the Southlake Historical Society, and a graduate of Southlake's DPS Citizens Academy and Southlake's fire rehab team. Somehow, she finds additional time for involvement in numerous other community organizations, as well. Of the many examples of Ms. Hill's selfless service, one story in particular stands out. Not long ago, a Southlake firefighter had a baby with significant medical problems. Due to the high medical costs, the firefighter's family was struggling to keep up. Upon hearing about the situation Laura immediately volunteered and created a fund raiser with her friends. The event raised approximately $16,000 entirely for the family of the Southlake firefighter. Whether it is creating fund raisers for those in need, preserving the city's history, solving zoning problems, caring for the children in the community, or volunteering for the city's emergency response team, Ms. Hill is always willing to go above and beyond to serve her community. I proudly commend the Honorable Laura Hill for her tireless passion and commitment to the betterment of Southlake, Texas. Many community members are grateful for her service and I congratulate her for receiving this prestigious award.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the Peace Corps and its 47 years of service. Nearly 200,000 U.S. citizens have served their country, as well as instilling peace and goodwill in 139 countries abroad, since March 1, 1961. The week of February 25-March 3, 2008 was celebrated around the U.S. as National Peace Corps Week. Currently 15 residents of the 24th District of Texas are serving abroad in 14 different countries. These selfless individuals should be recognized for their commitment to peace and development. Their names and respective countries of service are as follows: Ryan Alvares--Mozambique; Lauren Banta--Senegal; Andrew Birdsell--Ecuador; Melanie Bittle--Nicaragua; Eric Brooke--Bulgaria; Kira Cha--Costa Rica; David Fox--Macedonia; Courtney Gilman--Gambia; Robert Henderson-- Ukraine; Mary Jones--Georgia; Jamie Lewis--Malawi; Curtis Miller--Bolivia; Katherine Moore--Kenya; John Poulter--China; and Carin Wunneburger--Senegal. It is my honor to recognize these individuals and the long-standing institution known throughout the globe. The people of the 24th District of Texas are proud of their achievements. I wish them and all members of the Peace Corps the best of luck and an eventual safe return home.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I wish to honor the dedication and renaming of the PACE School to the Mary E. Smithey PACE Learning Center in Duncanville, Texas. On Sunday, February 17, 2008, a ceremony will be held honoring Mary E. Smithey for her many years as a teacher in the Duncanville school system. When Mrs. Smithey began teaching in Duncanville in 1946, she was one of eight teachers who served 287 students in grades one through twelve in one school building, now known as Central Elementary. Mrs. Smithey was the first retiree of the Duncanville Teachers Association and spoke highly of her career, particularly of her students. Mary E. Smithey was an exemplary teacher who was loved and respected by her students, their families and her peers. Mrs. Smithey, along with her husband, Grady Sr., have held long careers in public service in their community and the tradition continues as three of their grandchildren are teachers. The Smithey's two sons, Grady Jr. and Gary Ervin, are Duncanville school graduates. The Mary E. Smithey PACE Learning Center is an alternative school for students, grades 9 to 12, who need additional assistance in their education. The smaller class sizes and individual learning available at this campus help young people gain confidence and success. Students study a core curriculum, along with electives, on a flexible schedule allowing them the opportunity to achieve a high school diploma. I am honored to pay tribute to Mary E. Smithey and the Duncanville Independent School District in the dedication and renaming of the PACE School in her memory. The objectives of the PACE Learning Center will perpetuate Mrs. Smithey's legacy in education for many years to come. I am privileged to represent the Duncanville ISD in the 24th District of Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Christian Community Action on the occasion of its 35th Anniversary for providing financial and spiritual needs for the underprivileged in southern Denton County. Christian Community Action (CCA) was founded on February 22, 1973 by a small group of Christians whose resolve was to care for ``the least of the brethren.'' Local mainstream Christian pastors and their congregations were asked to donate food, clothing, furniture, house wares and money. Tom Duffy, founder and the original President of CCA, started organizing their efforts from a residential garage but CCA soon outgrew that space and moved to their current headquarters in downtown Lewisville, Texas. Under Mr. Duffy's tenure, CCA went from a volunteer--run storefront to three full--scale Resale stores that earn approximately $5 million each year to assist needy families. The number of those receiving help also saw an increase from a handful of families in 1973 to more than 15,000 individuals this past year. Christian Community Action continues to expand its services to those who need it most in more than 46 communities. They compassionately assist families financially with their needs of today while helping them learn to one day live independently for a brighter tomorrow. In addition, CCA encourages spiritual growth providing religious opportunities to further their chances of success. CCA is committed to being responsible and faithful stewards of the donations they receive ensuring that their work directly benefits families in crisis situations. I am honored to pay tribute to Christian Community Action and the valuable contributions they provide to those in need. I commend CCA for their dedication, commitment and service to disadvantaged families in Lewisville, Texas, and the surrounding communities, during the last 35 years.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, a golden anniversary is indeed a special milestone, and today I am proud to recognize the Coppell Fire Department's 50th anniversary. This exemplary and dedicated group of firefighters continues a proud 50-year long tradition of excellence. As emergency responders for the City of Coppell, Texas, the Coppell Fire Department prides themselves on building a safe community through exceptional services. The Coppell Fire Department provides fire prevention, fire suppression, transport emergency medical services, and technical rescue to the City of Coppell and the North Texas Region. The Department also offers special community services such as a Smoke Detector Program, Fire Extinguisher Training, Fire Safety Training, CPR Training, and Child Safety Seat Installation, just to name a few. The Coppell Fire Department includes 92 highly trained members operating from four facilities strategically located throughout the city. Each member is fully committed to continuing the traditions of providing a level of public service that is second to none. Chief Kevin Richardson and his department will be celebrating the 50th anniversary all year long. In honor of the occasion, a special commemorative helmet shield has been designed, restoration of the department's first fire engine is complete, and a commemorative album will be used to honor the department's 50 years of service to the community. The Coppell Fire Department's 50 years of hard work and commitment to the citizens of Coppell is worthy of recognition. I offer my sincere congratulations on their golden anniversary, and I am most honored to represent this outstanding department in the 24th District of Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Carter BloodCare on pioneering the processes of the blood care/capture industry operations. Carter BloodCare (CBC) worked closely with the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center and successfully implemented a methodology that has significantly achieved process improvements, increased productivity and doubled capacity while reducing floor space. These new changes were the result of CBC collaborating with Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (an initiative of the U.S. Department of Commerce NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership program) by participating in their training course: Fundamentals of Lean Enterprise. The Lean program was an ``outside the box'' way of thinking in the blood collection industry but it has proven to be an overwhelming success for CBC. This system allowed CBC to identify and correct problem areas, reduce needless work and create a more productive work flow. Their adoption of the Lean Philosophy approach will serve them well for years to come. I commend Carter BloodCare for transforming the processes of the blood care/capture industry and providing lifesaving units of blood to the people of Texas efficiently and expediently. It is an honor to represent Carter BloodCare in the 24th District of Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Loyd and Sue Eubanks on their 50th wedding anniversary. The Eubanks met in February 1956 at the Methodist Church in Havelock, N.C. Loyd proposed to Sue in December of that year and then left for fourteen months to Japan as a 2nd Lt. and pilot with VMF-334. Upon his return, the Eubanks were married on March 8, 1958 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Modesto, California. Their honeymoon was spent traveling back across the country in a brown Volkswagen to Havelock, North Carolina. After 7-8 months, Loyd finished his staff duty and went to Pensacola and Jacksonville, N.C. where he trained and eventually flew helicopters for the remaining 14 months of service. During that time, they celebrated the birth of their first son, Kenneth Allen, at the Naval Hospital at Camp Lejuene. After Loyd's time in the service, he earned a degree in Accounting and for the next thirteen years, they lived in Dallas and Kansas City where Loyd worked for the International Accounting Firm of Ernst and Ernst. Their second son, Clifford Daniel, was born in Dallas in November 1964. In 1975, Loyd went to work for the LTV Corporation in Oklahoma City and then Dallas. While living in Southlake, Texas, Sue worked as a substitute teacher at Carroll ISD and taught in the Mothers Day Out Program at the Bedford UMC. She also earned an Associate Degree from Tarrant County Community College. Loyd served on the City Council. In the early 1990's, and after 18 years as residents of Texas, the Eubanks moved to California. The LTV Corporation dismantled and was acquired by Northrop Grumman Corporation whose headquarters was Los Angeles. After 4 years in California and missing their grandchildren, the Eubanks moved back to the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex and currently live in Euless, Texas. Loyd and Sue have been active members of their community and do most things together. Sue is a Republican Precinct Chairman and Election Judge. Loyd builds signs and serves as a low ranking Election Clerk. They are active members of the Metroplex Republican Women's Club, the Northeast Couples Club and the Bedford United Methodist Church. Throughout the years, they have been active in the PTA, the Cub Scouts, the JCs, the Kiwanis, the United Methodist Women and the Republican Party. The Eubanks enjoy camping and spending time with their children and grandchildren: Kristi, Mason, Allie, Caleb and Alyssa. It is my honor to recognize Loyd and Sue Eubanks and congratulate them on this wonderful and momentous event. Together they exemplify the ideals of strong family and community involvement. I would like to extend my best wishes to the Eubanks as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Terry L. Webb on the occasion of his retirement as Fire Chief for Duncanville, Texas. Over the past 34 years, Chief Terry Webb has worked tirelessly to promote efforts that ensure the safety and well-being for the citizens of Duncanville. During his career he has advanced through the ranks of the department serving in such positions as an Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Fire Chief. In 1999, he was appointed by the mayor to serve as Emergency Management Coordinator. Chief Webb is currently the senior employee for the City of Duncanville. Chief Terry Webb has received numerous awards for his outstanding service. He was named the City of Duncanville 2001 Man of the Year, the Duncanville High School Distinguished Alumni in 2003, the Duncanville Fire Department Meritorious Service Award and the American Legion Local, Regional and State Firefighter of the Year. Chief Webb is an active member of many fire and civic associations including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, the North Central Texas Fire Chief Association, the Dallas County Fire Chiefs, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Emergency Management Association of Texas. He has also served as President of the Duncanville Lions Club and was named Lion of the Year from 1994-1995. He belongs to the Board of Directors for the Duncanville Educational Foundation and is the Chairman of the Board for the Duncanville Outreach Ministries. Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend and congratulate Chief Terry L. Webb on all of his accomplishments. His numerous years of service and dedication to the City of Duncanville is worthy of recognition. It is an honor to represent Chief Webb in the 24th District of Texas and I wish him continued success in the years to come.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the 2007 Euless Trinity High School football team upon winning the 5A Division I State Championship on Saturday, December 22, 2007. The Trinity Trojans' 13-10 win over Converse Judson Rockets in the San Antonio Alamodome gave the program its second State title in 3 years. It is believed that defenses win championships and this game was no exception as the Trojans held the Rockets scoreless during the second half. Despite the fact that all of the scoring took place in the first and second quarters, the second half was just as thrilling as the defense stopped the Converse Judson's offensive attack while the Trojans' tireless running offense wore down the Rockets and controlled the clock. Under Coach Steve Lineweaver's tenure, Euless Trinity has amassed an 88-16 record and has won 14 of its last 16 playoff games. I am extremely proud to represent Euless Trinity High School in Congress and I congratulate the players, coaches, fans and parents who made the 2007 season a memorable and victorious one.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Quality Cabinets/Masco Builder Cabinet Group (MBCG) on earning the prestigious Star Award for the Volunteer Protection Program from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its outstanding safety performance and processes. Quality Cabinets was founded by Charles Ladd in 1969 with three employees in a 7,500 square foot building in Duncanville, Texas. The company grew to add a location in Kentucky and another Texas facility in Cedar Hill. The Texas locations have a total of 1,259 employees. The company now is based in Adrian, Michigan and is part of the MBCG. The OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) encourages employers to participate and improve their safety program to very high levels. Achieving the VPP Star award is the pinnacle in recognition for participants that exceed OSHA standards. Quality Cabinets are the first Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing Company to achieve this exceptional feat. Programs implemented in the Texas Quality Cabinets facilities include Management Leadership and Employee Involvement, Worksite Analysis for Safety Hazards, Prevent and Control Hazards, and Safety Knowledge training. I am proud to represent Quality Cabinets/Masco Builder Cabinet Group for their outstanding efforts of both its management and employees on achieving exemplary occupational safety and health standards. The VPP Star Award is truly representative of Quality Cabinets dedication and commitment to safety.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor the Carroll Senior High and Carroll High School's Lady Dragon Cross Country Team on their 2007 5A State Championship. This is the Lady Dragon's first place win for the third consecutive year. The team learned days after the November 17th State 5A meet that they finished in first place. They were originally awarded second, following a tie breaker, but the University Interscholastic League later confirmed an error in the place results and awarded the Lady Dragon's with the top finish. The Lady Dragon State Cross Country consists of 7 tremendous young women, including Seniors Taylor Stephens and Lauren Hill; Juniors Tara Upshaw, Lucia Xiong, Caitlin Gilbert and Jessica Ferber; and Sophomore Jessica Harper. They are coached by Robert Ondrasek. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Lady Dragon's on a great season and their State Championship. The Carroll Senior High School and the Carroll High School deserve public recognition for this great honor and I extend my congratulations to the outstanding runners and coaching staff.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Coppell Middle School North Band on being named an Outstanding National Wind Band and winning the 1-A Middle School Division. Coppell Middle School North was among 81 bands selected in the top 25 percent of recordings submitted to the National Winds Band Honors competition. Each band was judged once again and narrowed the selection down to the National Honor in each classification. Charles Peltz, director of the New England Conservatory of Music, and noted composer John Mackey were the judges for this event. All National award-winner bands will be invited to perform in the prestigious National Theatre in Washington, D.C. in May 2008. Coppell Middle School North's band is under the direction of Joey Ashbrook and assistant director, Jeremy Lindquist. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to represent Coppell Middle School North and their exceptional band department in the 24th District of Texas.