Pete Olson

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Alvin, TX Passmore Elementary School Sea Sharks II for placing third in the Obstacle Course Challenge at the National SeaPerch Challenge at Louisiana State University. The U.S. Navy National SeaPerch Challenge is an underwater robotics competition. The Passmore Elementary School built and operated their own remotely operated vehicles that function underwater and are designed to complete an obstacle course. The SeaPerch Challenge competition judges the students' underwater vehicles in poster and interview first, and then two underwater challenges follow. The first being an obstacle course and the second being an orbs challenge where the students move different sized balls into submerged containers. The students develop problem-solving, teamwork and technical skills through this competition. They were awarded 3rd Place in the Obstacle Course Challenge. We are very proud of what these bright young students have accomplished. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Passmore Elementary School Sea Sharks II for placing third at the National SeaPerch Challenge. Keep up the great work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Alvin Community College President Dr. Christal M. Albrecht for being appointed as the president of the National Council for Workforce Education. Dr. Albrecht has served on the board for many years, including many roles such as Regional Director, Vice President of Government Relations and Executive Committee Member. The National Council for Workforce Education serves as the national forum to affect and direct the future role of two-year and other postsecondary institutions in workforce education and economic development. I'm confident Dr. Albrecht will help provide outstanding conferences and offering a forum for practitioners to learn from each other's best practices. On behalf of all residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, I'm pleased to recognize Dr. Christal M. Albrecht and her contributions to the Alvin community as well as helping to improve postsecondary education across America. We are all proud of Dr. Albrecht and wish her the best of luck as President of the National Council for Workforce Education Board.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Debra Haney of Sugar Land, TX for being elected to serve as Associate Superintendent of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Debra Haney has served as the beloved principal of St. Laurence Catholic School for ten years. Prior to serving St. Laurence Catholic School, Haney was the Principal of John Paul II Catholic School for six years. She has more than twenty three years of Catholic educational experience. Under Debra Haney's guidance, St. Laurence Catholic School has expanded and thrived, adding specialized teachers, new opportunities to participate in the arts and sports, and greater access to new educational technology. Thanks to her leadership, St. Laurence Catholic School has flourished while retaining a focus on spiritual growth and Catholic identity. As the new Associate Superintendent, Debra Haney will reach even more new students in the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Debra Haney for being named the new Associate Superintendent of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. We also thank her for her years of dedicated service to Sugar Land Catholic students.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katy native, Jon Duplantier, for being named as an All-America pitcher by Collegiate Baseball magazine. Jon Duplantier graduated from Seven Lakes High School in 2013 and is currently a junior attending the great Rice University. Duplantier has been drafted and picked to pitch for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Duplantier was named the C-USA Pitcher of the week three times, National pitcher of the Week and has faced six nationally ranked teams. Duplantier has displayed great discipline and dedication, we are proud to have such talent representing our Katy community. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Jon Duplantier for his outstanding athletic achievements. We wish him success in his baseball career and look forward to rooting for him in majors. Katy, Texas is proud of him.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for earning an ``A'' for patient safety. For almost two decades, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has been a critical partner in the Fort Bend County community. Twice a year, Hospital Safety Scores are assigned to over 2,500 hospitals across the United States. Developed under the guidance of Leapfrog's Blue Ribbon Expert Panel, the Hospital Safety Score is an elite designation which sets the highest standards for patient safety. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital was one of less than one-third of those inspected to earn an ``A'' for patient safety. Fort Bend County residents are blessed to be under the care of some of the nation's best doctors, nurses, technicians, and staff, who provide excellent care for the patients that pass through their doors. I commend all of these men and women for their hard work and dedication. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for receiving an ``A'' in patient safety. Thank you for all that you do for Fort Bend County.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent one of the most diverse districts in all of America. Our diversity is part of what makes the greater Houston area a strong example of the melting pot that comprises this great nation. I appreciate the Ismaili community's engagement with the broader community--in culture, business, education, and civic affairs. The Ismaili community provides important contributions to our community and we appreciate all that you do to embrace Texas and America as your home. Today, I would like to acknowledge a special anniversary for the Ismaili community. On July 11th, the Aga Khan will celebrate 59 years as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. The role of the Imam is both to interpret the faith to the community, and also to do all he can to improve the quality and security of their daily lives. The Aga Khan emphasizes the view of the religion of Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith: one that teaches compassion and tolerance, promotes the role of the intellect and upholds the dignity of man, God's noblest creation. I congratulate the Aga Khan on his 59th year as Imam and wish him and the Ismaili Muslim community in the United States every success in their continued efforts to improve the lives of people around the world.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent one of the most diverse districts in all of America. Our diversity is part of what makes the greater Houston area a strong example of the melting pot that comprises this great nation. I appreciate the Ismaili community's engagement with the broader community--in culture, business, education, and civic affairs. The Ismaili community provides important contributions to our community and we appreciate all that you do to embrace Texas and America as your home. Today, I would like to acknowledge a special anniversary for the Ismaili community. On July 11th, the Aga Khan will celebrate 59 years as Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. The role of the Imam is both to interpret the faith to the community, and also to do all he can to improve the quality and security of their daily lives. The Aga Khan emphasizes the view of the religion of Islam as a thinking, spiritual faith: one that teaches compassion and tolerance, promotes the role of the intellect and upholds the dignity of man, God's noblest creation. I congratulate the Aga Khan on his 59th year as Imam and wish him and the Ismaili Muslim community in the United States every success in their continued efforts to improve the lives of people around the world.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pearland, TX Nolan Ryan Jr. High Wave Riders, for placing third overall in the Middle School Class at the National SeaPerch Challenge at Louisiana State University. The U.S. Navy National SeaPerch Challenge is an underwater robotics competition. Nolan Ryan Jr. High qualified for nationals by finishing in the top seven overall teams at the regional competition. The team built and operated their own remotely-operated vehicles that function underwater and are designed to complete an obstacle course. The SeaPerch Challenge competition judges the students' underwater vehicles in poster and interview first, and then two underwater challenges follow. The first being an obstacle course and the second being an orbs challenge where the students move different sized balls into submerged containers. The students develop problem-solving, teamwork and technical skills through this competition. They were awarded 3rd Place Overall in the Middle School Class. We are very proud of what these bright young students have accomplished. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Nolan Ryan Jr. High Wave Riders for placing third at the National SeaPerch Challenge. Keep up the great work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Han Wen Zhang of Clements High School for being selected as the Exchange Club of Sugar Land's Youth of the Year. Han Wen, a senior at Clements High School, was submitted as a Youth of the Year by the Sugar Land Exchange Club. This honor recognizes students who have attained high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement and leadership. Han Wen embodies these characteristics. She is not only an AP National Scholar, but also fluent in English, Chinese and French. She has been issued a diploma of proficiency by The French Ministry of National Education and has taught French at Colony Bend Elementary School. Han Wen won first place in the Clements High School Texas French Symposium in the individual experienced division. She is also the President of the French National Honor Society and former President of the French Club. She has also worked on art projects with DePelchin Center and Advocates of Healthy Minds in Fort Bend County. Having achieved so much in her young life, we can only imagine the great accomplishments that lie in her future. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Han Wen Zhang for being selected as the Exchange Club of Sugar Land's Youth of the Year. Our community is very proud of her and can't wait to see what she does next.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Manvel High School Team Nautilus, for placing second in the Poster Board and Interview competition at the National SeaPerch Challenge at Louisiana State University. The U.S. Navy National SeaPerch Challenge is an underwater robotics competition. The Manvel High School Team built and operated their own remotely-operated vehicles that function underwater and are designed to complete an obstacle course. They received the 2nd Place Poster Board and Interview in Open Class. In addition, they were also awarded The ``Against all odds and Overcoming Obstacle Diversity'' Award. The SeaPerch Challenge competition judges the students' underwater vehicles in poster and interview first, and then two underwater challenges follow. The first being an obstacle course and the second being an orbs challenge where the students move different sized balls into submerged containers. The students develop problem-solving, teamwork and technical skills through this competition. They are sponsored by Larry Garrett and Jacob Smith. We are very proud of what these bright young students have accomplished. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Manvel High School Team for placing second at the National SeaPerch Challenge. Keep up the great work, we look forward to seeing what other inventions these bright minds will engineer.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pearland, TX Mary Marek Elementary School Aqua Tigers, for placing third in Open Class at the National SeaPerch Challenge at Louisiana State University. The U.S. Navy National SeaPerch Challenge is an underwater robotics competition. Mary Marek Elementary School qualified for nationals by finishing in the top seven overall teams at the regional competition. The team built and operated their own remotely-operated vehicles that function underwater and are designed to complete an obstacle course. The SeaPerch Challenge competition judges the students' underwater vehicles in poster and interview first, and then two underwater challenges follow. The first being an obstacle course and the second being an orbs challenge where the students move different sized balls into submerged containers. The students develop problem-solving, teamwork and technical skills through this competition. The Aqua Tigers were awarded 3rd Place over in Open Class and 3rd Place Obstacle Course for Open Class. We are very proud of what these bright young students have accomplished. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Mary Marek Elementary School Aqua Tigers for placing third at the National SeaPerch Challenge. We look forward to following the competition. Keep up the great work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Alvin, TX Harby Junior High School Sea CRABS for placing first place overall for the Middle School Class at the National SeaPerch Challenge at Louisiana State University. The U.S. Navy National SeaPerch Challenge is an underwater robotics competition. The Harby Junior High School built and operated their own remotely-operated vehicles that function underwater and are designed to complete an obstacle course. Their team name the Sea CRABS, derives from the initials from the team members' first names. The SeaPerch Challenge competition judges the students' underwater vehicles in poster and interview first, and then two underwater challenges follow. The first being an obstacle course and the second being an orbs challenge where the students move different sized balls into submerged containers. The students develop problem-solving, teamwork and technical skills through this competition. Their campus and partner sponsors are Michelle Deleon, Kim Hamilton and Tom Wilson. We are very proud of what these bright young students have accomplished. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Harby Junior High School Sea CRABS for placing first at the National SeaPerch Challenge. Keep up the great work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, Members of Congress love to brag. Texans like me brag the most. Today, I am going to brag about a young lady from my hometown of Sugar Land, Texas. She is a Bulldog from Austin High School. Her name is Simone Manuel. If you don't know that name today, you will after this summer's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Simone swims fast, really fast, water-on-fire fast. In fact, she recently swam so fast she is swimming in three events at the Olympics: the 50-meter freestyle, the 100-meter freestyle, and the 4-by-100-meter freestyle relay. Texas women love precious metal. They are okay with bronze, they like silver, and they love gold. Good luck, Simone. Bring home some precious metal to Sugar Land, Texas. Sugar Land loves you.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Crystal Cline for winning the 2016 Texas High School Bowling Girls' singles championship. Crystal Cline is a student at Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas. She was selected as one of 65 elite students from the state to participate in the tournament. She averaged a score of 201 in the qualifying round, earning her the 13th seed moving forward. In the semifinals, Crystal eliminated the 2015 girls' champion. She won the final round with a solid score of 222-173. We are proud of Crystal, and can't wait to see what she does next. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Morton Ranch's Crystal Cline for winning the 2016 Texas High School Bowling Girls' singles championship. Thank you for bringing this awesome championship to the Katy School District.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joe Adams on his retirement from the Katy Independent School District (KISD) Board of Trustees, after serving 27 years. When Mr. Adams attended his first school groundbreaking 27 years ago, there was nothing but prairie to the west of this brand new elementary school. Since the beginning of Adams' tenure on the board, the area has transformed into a booming, busy suburban district. The Katy ISD enrollment has also increased by 53,000 with 41 new schools opening under his watch. Adams fondest memories are standing on the stage at graduations and congratulating outgoing KISD seniors on their accomplishments. The residents of Katy have been well served by his leadership in helping ensure a strong education for our students. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations and thank you to Joe Adams for his 27 years of service on the Katy ISD board of trustees. We appreciate your service and dedication to Katy.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Clements High School senior Angela Lin of Sugar Land, TX for winning the H&R Block Budget Challenge grand prize scholarship. With two older brothers attending the University of Houston, college tuition was going to pose a challenge for Angela. So she worked hard and entered the Bucket Challenge and won a $120,000 scholarship from a competitive field of 150,000 students. The challenge was a 10-week financial literacy competition in which she developed spreadsheets, made choices on insurance deductibles, planned how to spend paychecks and how to pay bills. Angela's hard work paid off and she plans to earn a double major in management systems and marketing with a potential minor in entrepreneurship. Angela's potential is limitless. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Angela Lin on winning the H&R Block Budget Challenge scholarship. Keep up the great work, and keep on pursuing your dreams Angela.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate James Watson Jr. for being named Katy's `Senior Citizen of the Year' by a unanimous vote from the advisory board for the W.D and Argie Lee Fussell Senior Citizens Center. This award is given by the city of Katy to an older American in recognition of their contributions and positive impact on the community. James works as a pharmacist in the city of Katy with his wife, Joan, and has no plans to retire anytime soon because he still enjoys the job. James was born in Katy, attended schools there, and even met his wife in Katy, Texas. He left for a brief period to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin. James follows in the footsteps of his mother who won the very same award 21 years ago. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to James Watson Jr. for being named Katy's `Senior Citizen of the Year.' Keep up the great work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jean Shelledy of Missouri City, Texas for being nominated as the 2016 Woman of the Year by The Woman's Club of Missouri City. The Woman's Club of Missouri City is the oldest social and civil club in the city, serving the community for the past 60 years. Among the WCMC charitable donation recipients are the Butterfield Education Foundation, Historical Dew House, Habitat for Humanity, Friends of the Missouri City Animal Shelter and annual legacy scholarship awards to Missouri City high school graduates. For almost a decade, Jean has been dedicated to the compassionate and community-driven mission of the WCMC. Proving herself time and time again, Jean has now served as the organization's president for the past two years and has contributed to the success of The Woman's Club of Missouri City. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Jean Shelledy for being recognized as The Woman's Club of Missouri City's 2016 Woman of the Year. We thank her for her continued dedication and support of the community and are confident her contributions to Missouri City will continue.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Stafford High School head baseball coach Michael Mesa. At only 25 years old, Michael Mesa died unexpectedly on May 13, 2016. His death was unexpected and the cause is still unknown. Mesa was a Stafford High School 2008 graduate who in his senior year was an all- district catcher. Michael Mesa was a respected teacher and coach, and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his fiancee and a two year old son. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, we offer our condolences to the friends and family of Michael Mesa and the Stafford High School community. His leadership and dedication will be missed.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Seven Lakes High School senior Alex Pratt for winning second place in our state essay contest. In addition to playing football and running track for his school, Alex received the second-place award in the editorial contest of the annual Law Day competition. This contest is sponsored by the State Bar of Texas. The theme of the state essay contest derived from the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court case, Miranda v. Arizona. His essay titled, ``Miranda: More Than Words: How the Sins of the Past Have Shaped a Better Present'', explores the procedural protections granted to everyone by the U.S. Constitution. The competition was open to all state bar associations, that selected local winners in each of three competition categories. The Katy Bar Association chose Alex's composition for its editorial submission. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Alex Pratt for winning second place in the annual Law Day competition. Thank you for bringing this prestigious honor to Seven Lakes High School. We expect more great things from Alex in the future.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Lady Eagles softball team of Fort Bend Christian Academy in Sugar Land, Texas for winning the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) 4A state championship. The Lady Eagles won their fifth state championship in program history, all occurring in the past 10 years. The team from Fort Bend Christian Academy won their previous state titles in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2013, while being the state runner-up in 2008, 2011, and 2014. This year, at the state tournament, the ladies defeated Corpus Christi Incarnate Word 7-4 in a rallying come from behind victory to earn a berth into the championship game. The Lady Eagles defeated Dallas Christian in a resounding manner by a score of 6-1 to win the state title. They did not lose a single game to a private school this season, and even triumphed over six University Interscholastic League (UIL) playoff teams. The team finished their championship season with an impressive 23-6-1 record. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Lady Eagles softball team of Fort Bend Christian Academy for winning the TAPPS 4A state title. Keep up the great work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Captain Paul Mosley on retiring with more than 30 years of service with the Fort Bend County Sheriffs Department. In April of 1986, Captain Mosley became a full-time deputy at the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office. He began working with the local jail, moved over to the warrants unit and later to patrol. Mosley has now been a Captain over the Internal Affairs Division for three and a half years. Prior to Mosley's 30 years of service, he played baseball for six years with the then Los Angeles Angels minor league team. Between baseball seasons, Mosley also acted in shows such as ``Combat'' and ``My Favorite Martian''. Fort Bend County has been safer thanks to Mosley's decades of service and protection. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again Captain Paul Mosley on his retirement after 30 years of dedicated service to Fort Bend County. Thank you for stepping up to protect and serve.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Pearland Detective John DeSpain for receiving Officer of the Year Honors for his exceptional service to the community. John DeSpain was named the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast District Exchange Club's Officer of the Year at their annual banquet. DeSpain has been with the Pearland Police Department since 2003, and was promoted to Detective in 2012. In addition to his detective work, DeSpain is the current President of the Pearland Police Officer's Association. Pearland residents are better protected thanks to his dedication to protect and serve. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Detective John DeSpain for receiving this distinguished honor and for helping to keep Pearland safe.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, there is great pain and agony in Pearland, Texas, and all across America. Pearland police officer Endy Ekpanya was killed in the line of duty while on patrol in Pearland. He was killed at 3:15 a.m. on Sunday. He died 45 minutes later at a hospital. Endy was only 30 years old. He had been with the Pearland police force for less than a year. His fellow D squad officers said he was always eager to learn, and with that huge smile. Endy was the first Pearland policeman killed since 1973. As you can see, Endy leaves behind a wife and a young son. Mr. Speaker, I will use my remaining time to say a silent prayer to honor Endy.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to give an update to the folks back home about a special young lady, Alyssa Ferguson. I first talked on this floor about Alyssa when the Fort Bend Star told us her story. It was their third best story for 2015. I also spoke on this floor a second time about Alyssa the first time I met her. She threw out the first pitch, a strike, at a home game for our local pro baseball team, the Skeeters. Alyssa is special because what she has done when she heard that she had cancer. She used her only wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation to give a water well to a small village in Africa. A few weeks ago, Alyssa and 100 kids with cancer enjoyed a Prom Party Palooza at Texas Children's Hospital. Alyssa said: ``Some people don't make it to the real prom. It's great we get a chance to experience that.'' Keep fighting, Alyssa, and when you go to your real prom, there will be a long line waiting to be your date, and I will be at the front of that line.