Darren Soto

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, Francisco H. De Jesus was born on March 9, 1924 in Penuelas, Puerto Rico. In 1950 he was deployed to the Korean War aboard the USNS Marine Lynx as part of the 65th Infantry Regiment, which was nicknamed ``The Borinqueneers''. Francisco served in this honorable regiment for one year during the Korean War and then transferred to Panama for a tour as a member of Military Police. Upon completing his service, Francisco returned to Puerto Rico, rejoining his young family in San Juan. Francisco was an entrepreneur. He pursued numerous business ventures before establishing what became a very well-known men's store called Heryck's Men's Store in Caparra Terrace. In 1976, Francisco sold his beloved store and moved his family to Orlando, Florida. For 20 years, Francisco worked for the Orange County School Board as a community liaison in the Immigration Department, playing a key role in registering migrant families and their children to enable attendance at local schools during the year. Francisco is a beloved husband, father of 7 children, a grand-father of 14 and a Great-grandfather of 16. He still an avid storyteller, loves listening to music and is a great Domino player. Francisco recently celebrated his 97th birthday in Orlando, Florida.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, Brittani Acuff is a philanthropist, creator, storyteller and most importantly, an ally. In 2010, Brittani left Central Florida to attend the University of Mississippi where she studied broadcast journalism and theatre arts. At Ole Miss, Brittani was a lead anchor and reporter for Newswatch99. She was ranked in the Top Four Feature Reporters in the Southeastern Journalism Conference's Best of the South, beating out reporters from over 30 colleges. As a reporter, she learned the value of relationships and branding, and transitioned to working in public and community relations. In 2014, she returned to Orlando and immediately plugged back into Orlando's charitable scene. Brittani is the community relations and events manager at one of Central Florida's leading LGBTQ+ and Allied Healthcare Centers, serves on the onePulse Foundation's Memorial Task Force and the Orlando Youth Empowerment Summit Steering Committee, is an ally on Congressman Darren Soto's LGBTQ+ roundtable, is the marketing chair for the Provisional Class of the Junior League of Greater Orlando, and hosts and plans shows at New York Fashion Week. Her past community involvement also includes Dance, Dream and Inspire for Community Based Care of Central Florida, volunteering with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Central Florida and being chair of the opening reception committee for the United States Conference on AIDS. In 2020, Brittani was named one of Orlando Magazine's Women of the Year. Brittani broke the mold in the pageant industry by starting at age 25 and doing it her way. Brittani served as Miss Orange County USA, Miss Orange County Galaxy and Miss Southern States Galaxy. At Galaxy Internationals, Brittani was the only American to place in the Top 5 in her division and is the current reigning Orange County's Perfect Miss. In 2019, Brittani was named ``The Most Influential Person in Pageantry'' by Art&Beauty Magazine. For this and more, we honor Ms. Acuff.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. In honor of National Borinqueneers Day on April 13, I would like to recognize Francisco H. De Jesus. Francisco H. De Jesus was born on March 9, 1924, in the small town of Penuelas, Puerto Rico. In 1950, he was one of the Borinqueneers that was deployed to the Korean war on the USNS Marine Lynx. Francisco served for 1 year in the Korean war and then transferred to Panama for a tour as a Military Police member. Upon completing his active service, Francisco returned to Puerto Rico, rejoining his young family in San Juan. He was an entrepreneur, pursuing numerous business ventures before establishing a very well- known men's store called Heryck's Men's Store in Caparra Terrace. In 1976, Francisco sold his beloved store and moved his family to Orlando, Florida. For 20 years, Francisco worked for the Orange County School Board as a community liaison in the immigration department. He played a pivotal role in registering migrant families and their children to enable attendance at local schools during the year. Francisco is a beloved husband, father of seven children, grandfather of 14, and great-grandfather of 16. He is still an avid storyteller, loves listening to music, and is great dominoes player. Francisco recently celebrated his 97th birthday in Orlando, Florida. For this and more, Mr. Francisco H. De Jesus, we honor you. Honoring the Life of Officer Kevin Valencia

Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Amaya Brannon. Amaya Brannon is a 10-year-old resident of Auburndale, Florida, and an active, energetic, and personable young woman in the community. She lives with her aunt Michelle and uncle Brian, along with her sisters, Shianna and Jayla. She enjoys playing soccer, dancing with her sisters, practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu with her uncle Brian, and being active outdoors. As a straight-A student in Code Academy in Lakeland, she participates in multiple school activities, including the Fuel Up to Play 60 program. Amaya has aspirations of a future career in public relations or reporting, all while honing her skills as an artist. She has a heart for giving and helping others in the world. Most recently, Amaya represented her community as the NFL PLAY 60 Super Kid Ambassador and the Good Morning America Super Bowl Kid Correspondent. She received VIP access during Super Bowl week. Throughout the week, she interviewed players from both teams, hosted a virtual Kids Play Day, was interviewed live on the Taste of the NFL show, practiced with the Buccaneers cheerleaders, and was featured during the second half the Super Bowl. Amaya also reported multiple times throughout the week about her experience live on GMA. In her heart for helping and leading others, Amaya has pledged to eat healthy and move 60 minutes each day. Despite the unique year and even bad weather, she has been able to remain active. Amaya believes: ``If you are healthy and active, you can achieve great goals in life.'' For this and more, Miss Amaya Brannon, we honor you. Honoring Francisco H. De Jesus

Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Jennie Cyran. Ms. Jennie Cyran, a resident of Haines City, currently serves as a 5th grade English language arts teacher in Polk County Public Schools. She transferred schools to help overcome turnaround status and provide a consistent, quality education to all students. She is an accomplished visionary leader with 5 years of teaching experience in Polk County. She stops at nothing to advocate for what is best for her students and teachers all over the State of Florida. Some of Ms. Cyran's most notable accomplishments in education include being named to NPR's Best Commencement Speeches Ever list in 2014 for her graduation speech from Niagara University; being nominated for the Touchdown for Teachers award in 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2016, given by the National Football League's Buffalo Bills for dedication to the community in which she lived; the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award from Niagara University, New York; and the Polk County Teacher of the Year award for 2019. Since moving to Florida, she became very involved in Polk County Special Olympics and has helped coach sports such as bowling, softball, swimming, and bocce. She plays unified sports with her brother, Philip, who has autism. Unified sports gives the opportunity to teach acceptance through competitive play while mentoring athletes who have a cognitive disability so that they can build relationships with others and be more successful in everyday life. In the summer of 2018, she was named Polk County's Most Inspirational Unified Partner of the Year. Ms. Cyran is currently completing her doctorate in educational leadership from Florida Southern College and aspires to be a principal someday. She is a living example of Rita Pearson's quote: ``Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.'' For this and more, Ms. Jennie Cyran, we honor you. Honoring Amaya Brannon

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Ann Claussen. Ann Claussen has served in various leadership positions for 29 years in Polk County, Florida. During her career with State Farm Insurance Company, she has held many different leadership positions in the life and health company, and served as the credit union manager for 9 years, overseeing a $240 million credit union with 1,100 members throughout the State of Florida. In January 2014, Ms. Claussen took a leap of faith to start her new career as the CEO of Central Florida Healthcare. Serving in this role has allowed her to follow her lifelong passion for making a difference in her community by providing a patient-centered medical home to over 56,000 patients. With growth in 14 clinics and 500 employees, Ms. Claussen's passion for serving her community is demonstrated each day by her genuine compassion to be a servant leader. With an understanding of building relationships and partnering for a healthier community, she serves on the United Way board, Junior Diabetes Research Foundation, and other boards and committees to ensure that our communities are working together in providing quality healthcare for everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Ms. Claussen's goal is to continue to focus on expanding healthcare and creating a positive work environment surrounded by people who share her passion for making a difference in our community. With her caring heart, she leads by example and has been instrumental in partnering with other community leaders who have the same passion to serve. Ann is married to Jim and has two sons, Justin and Ryan. For this and more, Ms. Ann Claussen, we honor you. Honoring Jennie Cyran

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Belinda Johnson-Cornett, who has her MS, RN-BC, and MBA. Ms. Belinda Johnson-Cornett is a board-certified registered nurse with years of experience in the healthcare industry as a practitioner and healthcare executive. She has earned a master of science and master of business administration degree. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in business. During the 2008 through 2017 period, she served as the administrator and health officer and chief executive officer of the combined Florida Department of Health in Osceola County and Osceola Community Health Services. She remained as chief executive officer of Osceola Community Health Services as the agency transitioned in 2017 to a private, nonprofit federally qualified health center. Ms. Johnson-Cornett is recognized as a dedicated health advocate, having led many initiatives to increase healthcare access for uninsured and underserved populations. She is a strong supporter of decreasing health disparities by improving social determinants of health for at- risk populations. She has worked tirelessly to advance community partner engagement in collaborative strategies to improve healthcare access and enhance community resources. Her leadership was the key driver in 2010 in mobilizing community partners from health, business, government, elected officials, community organizations, faith-based and involved citizenry in an Osceola Health Summit, which continues as an annual event. Ms. Johnson-Cornett has had numerous achievements and recognitions, some of which include the National Leadership Academy for Public Health's 2012 Inaugural Leadership Program; selection as Florida's Outstanding Women in Public Health in 2014; a 2019 inaugural graduate of the National Association of County and City Health Officials Survive and Thrive Fellowship; and Osceola County's Lieutenant Lloyd Burton, Jr., Service Award in 2020. Ms. Johnson-Cornett's leadership has brought many tangible results into Osceola County, including $8.3 million in Federal capital improvement funding in 2011, $5.5 million in resources for the disadvantaged minority community of Marydia, and many millions in Federal and private grant funding. For this and more, Ms. Belinda Johnson-Cornett, we honor you.

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Esther Sanchez Colon. At the age of 17, Esther Sanchez Colon began her healthcare journey as a secretary for a medical services and transport company in Puerto Rico. Her interest was sparked through each EMS call, which offered her a chance to help a person or family in need. She eventually became a dispatcher and discovered her passion for caring for others was her calling, not just a career focus. The paramedics she worked with encouraged her to follow that passion, and, in 2000, she became a registered nurse. Esther Sanchez Colon now lives in Florida and is a clinical coordinator in Poinciana's Medical Center's emergency department. She has been with the hospital for more than 7 years and demonstrates exceptional leadership, both with the Poinciana ER and the Poinciana area community. Esther serves as a pastor in her church and is currently finishing her doctorate in ministry. Specializing in both nursing and ministry has helped her be an uplifting resource for patients and their families in their time of need. Because of her immeasurable compassion and efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of others, she received The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in 2018. Today, her dedication to helping others is stronger than ever, and she feels blessed to be of service during difficult times. From supporting her colleagues to caring for patients and their families, she continues to excel in her role and live out the HCA healthcare mission, ``Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.'' For this and more, Ms. Esther Sanchez Colon, we honor you. honoring belinda johnson-cornett

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Rhonda Wilson. Ms. Rhonda Wilson, who has her MS, MBA, and MS, is a victims service administrator with over 32 years of professional nonprofit criminal justice and military experience. She has earned three graduate degrees: A master of human services with a criminal justice specialization, a master of business administration, and a master of administration in justice and security. Since 2009, Rhonda has been a leader for the Victims Service Center of Central Florida, where she has worked as a victim advocate and crisis counselor, community education coordinator, and, most recently, as an advocacy services supervisor where she oversees 10 master's level crisis counselors and interns. Prior to her work with the Victims Service Center, Ms. Wilson proudly served in the United States Navy for 20 years, specializing in military justice. She took that knowledge and experience and, upon retiring from the Navy, served as the director of an 88-bed residential reentry center helping Federal inmates transition back into the community. Rhonda has extensive training related to sexual assault and assisting victims of crime. She is a member of the Sexual Assault Response Team and the Florida Crisis Response Team. She was one of the initial first responders in the aftermath of the Pulse mass shooting tragedy and is often called upon to provide emotional support to law enforcement professionals when impacted by violence. Rhonda is a respected leader and professional in the field of victim services and was recognized as Victim Advocate of the Year in 2017 by Central Florida Victim Services Network. For this and more, Ms. Rhonda Wilson, we honor you. Honoring Esther Sanchez Colon

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Vianca McCluskey. Vianca is the administrator at the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County. She spent more than 20 years of public health experience with 15 years dedicated to leading health departments and federally qualified health centers. During her career, she has collaborated with county governments, governing boards, and community partners to address health issues and ensure the provision of programs and services for vulnerable populations. Her public health career began in Tennessee, where she was the State's first African-American county health deputy director. She directed operations at one of the largest rural health departments, which received recognition for its diabetes and community-wide weight loss programs. After accepting the executive director position with Primary Care Medical Services of Poinciana, a federally qualified health center operated by the health department, she relocated to Osceola County in 2008, with her husband, Dale, and son, Jackson. She oversaw the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, grant and the delivery of comprehensive culturally competent healthcare and dental healthcare services to the community. In 2012, she accepted a leadership position with the Community Health Centers, Inc., to oversee multispecialty sites serving vulnerable and underserved populations. In 2018, she returned to the Florida Department of Health in Osceola County as the administrator. She is currently leading the agency through an unprecedented and extended response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She and her dedicated team at the health department have worked tirelessly to maintain essential public health services during a large-scale emergency response effort. She continues to work closely with community partners to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in Osceola County, Florida. She is a member of the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Florida Public Health Association, Health Leadership Council, AdventHealth Kissimmee Advisory Council, and Osceola County Council on Aging board. For this and more, Ms. Vianca McCluskey, we honor you. Honoring Rhonda Wilson

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Wendy Coschignano Ford. Wendy Coschignano Ford was appointed the chief executive officer for the Osceola Council on Aging in 2019. Wendy's career with the OCOA is expansive, spending the past 20 years in key positions within the council, including serving as the director housing and finance. During the past two decades, Wendy's multidisciplinary approach led to her appointment to the agency's top position. She effectively managed six separate housing communities and successfully developed, negotiated, and managed many commercial contracts while leading the implementation of strategic planning and marketing strategies. Since 2019, OCOA a has seen exponential increases in sustainable operations, collaborations with the Osceola and central Florida community, and new initiatives, which have increased revenue, client satisfaction, profitability, and reimbursement growth. The Osceola Council on Aging's mission is to provide services to enable independence and self-sufficiency with Osceola County seniors, disabled adults, disadvantaged individuals, and impoverished families. Wendy's colleagues state she is always committed to ``achieving the highest standards of performance and leadership'' while embodying the heart of the council's mission. Wendy is a graduate of the University of Central Florida's business school, and will be completing her MBA degree in July of this year. Wendy holds Housing and Urban Development certifications with Assistant Housing Manager and Housing Credit Certified Professional designations. She was recently awarded two Certificates of Achievement from HUD for Superior Real Estate Assessment Center Outcomes; recognized for implementing the `Senior/Kid Companion' program at the State of Florida National Community Service Conference, a recognition designated by former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Further, Wendy is a member of the Kissimmee Police Department's Crime Free initiative program, and a graduate of the University of Florida's LeadingAge Leadership Academy in 2009, along with Leadership Osceola 2019. Wendy has been married to her husband, Chip, for 11 years. She has two children and two grandchildren. For this and more, Wendy Coschignano Ford, we honor you. Honoring Vianca McCluskey

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Sami Haiman-Marrero. Sami Haiman-Marrero is the president and CEO of URBANDER, a firm that assists the corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors in overcoming diversity, equity, inclusion, and multicultural marketing challenges. Under Sami's leadership, URBANDER received the Orlando Business Journal's 2020 Diversity in Business Helping Hand Award for their work impacting underrepresented and underserved communities. Sami's career started in New York City over 25 years ago in public relations, marketing, and publishing. Her career highlights include handling the first-ever Spanish-language U.S. Presidential media campaign in 1996, which led to winning the highly coveted Hispanic vote, becoming the publisher of a national Hispanic magazine, and being interviewed on the U.S. Latino experience by The Wall Street Journal, El Nuevo Dia, Huffington Post, MSNBC, Florida Trend, NBCNews.com, and Canada's CBC News. Haiman-Marrero earned a master's in communications from the University of Puerto Rico and was recognized in 2016 as one of Vision Magazine's 25 Most Influential Hispanics in Central Florida. She has served on prestigious boards such as Visit Orlando, United Arts, Hispanic American Professional Business Women's Association, and Prospera's technical assistance committee. In 2017, after Hurricane Maria devastated her beloved Puerto Rico, Sami launched a nonprofit called SOS by URBANDER. SOS creates and implements culturally competent social mobility programs such as Talleres de Bienvenida, The Azalea Project, and job readiness training. SOS is also the Del Ambiente, and Gender Advancement Project's fiscal sponsor, which supports LGBTQ-plus people of color. In 2019, Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero appointed Sami to the county's Arts and Culture Council, where she serves as chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. She was also an official delegate of the Second Annual Latino Leadership Summit held at the United Nations by the We Are All Human organization. For this and more, Ms. Maiman-Marrero, we honor you. Honoring Wendy Coschignano Ford

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Officer Kevin Valencia of the Orlando Police Department, who was a courageous and heroic officer, a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. On June 11, 2018, Officer Kevin Valencia was shot and critically injured while responding to a domestic violence call where a deranged individual took his own life after killing four children and shooting Officer Valencia. Officer Valencia risked his life for people he didn't even know, a risk that many in the law enforcement profession take every day without question. Since that tragic night, Officer Valencia has been fighting for his life with his family by his side. Regretfully, Officer Valencia passed away this week on March 15, 2021, after succumbing to the injuries he sustained. Officer Kevin Valencia will be remembered by his loved ones as a hero, who selflessly gave to others and always had the best humor. He is survived by his wife, Meghan Valencia, and their two sons, Kaleb and Kolton. Thank you, Kevin Valencia, officer of OPD, for your great sacrifices. We mourn your passing, and may you rest in peace. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 71.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. One hundred and twelve years later, the organization has over 2,200 branches across the nation with more than 2 million members. The NAACP's mission is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. The NAACP is integral to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination on race. The Osceola branch of the NAACP was originally established as the Kissimmee NAACP in 1965 and later changed to its current name in the early 1970's as the Osceola County Branch 5121. Reverend T.C. Callahan served as the branch's first president. The branch is currently led by Deloris McMillon. The Osceola branch of the NAACP works to promote civic engagement among its community through voter registration drives. It also recognizes outstanding citizens and leaders to inspire younger generations to participate in their community. The strength of the NAACP is dependent on support from the community. The NAACP seeks enactment and enforcement of federal, state, and local laws securing civil rights. It tirelessly provides for and supports their communities and equality of all citizens.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, Dr. Carolyn Pass was born in Lake Wales, Florida. She earned a B.S. in microbiology from the University of Florida and an M.D. from the University of Miami. She completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at the George Washington University. Her leadership spans more than 35 years beginning with serving as the president of the Minority PreProfessional Association at UF. As a medical student, she was a student health policy mentee in the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy's office. Also, she served as president and regional council member of the Student National Medical Association. In her senior year she was awarded the highest honor bestowed at the University of Miami by being inducted into Iron Arrow Honor Society. Dr. Pass' dedication to community began in 2001 when she opened her primary care practice in Lake Wales. Before going into solo practice, she suffered from congestive heart failure and recuperated at home for 18 months after giving birth to her third child. Her dedication to providing quality care to her patients continued to flourish as she rose through the ranks of leadership at Advent Health Lake Wales. While on staff for the past 20 years, she's served on every committee and has been elected three times as chairman of medicine. Currently, she is serving as the first Black female chief of staff. Dr. Pass' specialties include internal medicine, wound care and hyperbaric medicine. Her passions are her three lovely children. Alexandra is a graduate student, and Nicholas and Christian are in college.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, Mr. Richard Hall was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, the country's first Black military aviators in the U.S. Air Force. Born in Georgia, Hall moved to Central Florida with his parents when he was five months old. A graduate of Robert Hungerford Boarding School in Eatonville, Hall received a four-year scholarship to Xavier University in New Orleans, LA. He joined the Army Air Force Reserves, and in 1942 was sent to fight in World War II. Mr. Hall was among the first African American Chief Master Sergeants after integration in 1949. He served his country for over three decades and completed tours on four continents, including the Korean and Vietnam wars. In 2007, Mr. Hall, along with other Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush. In Central Florida, he was honored with a life-sized sculpture that sits outside Hannibal Heritage Center. Mr. Hall retired to Maitland in the 1980s and continued to call Central Florida home until his death on January 21, 2021.

Mr. SOTO

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Josephine Howard. As part of her life legacy, Josephine M. Howard has been achieving goals, setting high standards, teaching, learning, positively impacting lives, and committing to helping, mentoring, and inspiring the lives of children, adults, and the elderly. Desiring to be a teacher like her mother, Crizell, she grew up mentoring and tutoring her five siblings and neighborhood children. In the 1960s, Josephine graduated from Douglass High School with high honors and Florida College, cum laude, with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and she subsequently began her teaching career. Josephine loved teaching but wanted to have a greater impact on more lives by empowering them with knowledge. Therefore, she went back to college and earned her master's of education, magna cum laude, from the University of Central Florida and an educational specialist degree, summa cum laude, at Nova Southeastern University, thus dedicating 38 years of service to education, including 20 years as a principal. Josephine is a servant leader, lifetime member of the NAACP, has served as a member of the Horizon Housing board as treasurer, is the former CEO of Howard's Apparel, former chaplain of the NC100BW, board of trustees of Heart of Florida Hospital, Head Start Policy Council, and Who's Who Among Professional Women. She continues to serve as the first vice president deaconess at the New Beulah Missionary Baptist Church. She is actively involved in first Christian education directress appointed, praise ministry, mass choir, Sunday school teaching, and more. Her community service and leadership dedication have earned her numerous recognitions, honors, and media coverage. She received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lifetime Achievement Award, Teacher of the Year, and Distinguished Volunteer Service Award. Josephine is married to her husband, Phillip, of 52 years and has two children, Jonita and Phillip II, and three grandchildren, Philip and twins Phillip III and Kennedy. For this and more, Josephine M. Howard, we honor you. A Bird's Eye View to Insurrection

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Jacqueline Byrd. Jacqueline Byrd is the superintendent of Polk County Public Schools, an educator, wife of Jason Byrd, Sr., and mother of Jason Byrd, Jr., and Jalyn Byrd. She was the first African-American superintendent of Polk County Public Schools. Through her continued focus on improving education for all students, she has become a role model for students, and is an advocate for educating all students, creating wraparound services to address meeting their needs and in removing barriers to allow for success. Jacqueline can be found visiting schools, talking to students, attending events, and advocating on behalf of her students through local community leaders. She loves spending time with her husband and family, even though many of these evenings are spent at school events. She is the youngest of six children of Eugene and Irene Hodges. Her siblings have always said: ``She should have been the oldest.'' Her parents taught her that she would face challenges as an African- American woman, but her independence, character, and integrity were important. She has passed these life lessons to both her children. Jacqueline is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and serves on various boards of directors within her community and State. As part of her service to the community, she served as a spokesperson for the National Bone Marrow Donor Program. In December of 2005, she donated bone marrow to a 12-year-old girl with sickle cell anemia. Jacqueline advocates for unselfish acts for the betterment of mankind. For that and more, Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd, we honor you. Honoring Josephine M. Howard

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Vincent Miller. Dr. Vincent M. Miller, II, currently serves as a secondary math teacher at Winter Haven High School, and he was recently honored as the first Black male Polk County teacher of the year. Dr. Miller is a newly published author with one of the top-selling books on Amazon, ``21st Century Education Through the Lens of COVID- 19.'' As an accomplished visionary leader in the academic sector with 10 years in the Polk County school system, he has had many administrative roles, but found his love back in the classroom. Some of Dr. Miller's most notable accomplishments in education include decreasing academic suspension rates over 50 percent, establishing various innovative academic programs designed to energize academic offerings and enhance career and professional development outcomes for students. He holds a doctor of education in educational leadership from Lynn University, a master of business administration from Webster University, a bachelor of science from the University South Florida, and a music minor in vocal performance from the University of South Florida. Dr. Miller is known for his community work through his nonprofit, Filling the Lane. Filling the Lane's mission is to bridge the gaps between education, sports, arts, and community for at-risk youth. He is also known for performing locally and internationally in shows such as Porgy and Bess, and the Broadway production, KaTonga. He is very excited to be who honored here today. In the words of Disney: ``It's kind of fun to do the impossible.'' For that and more, Dr. Vincent M. Miller, II, we honor you. Honoring Jacqueline Byrd

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Carolyn Pass. Dr. Carolyn Pass' leadership spans more than 35 years, beginning with serving as the president of the Minority Pre-Professional Association at the University of Florida, where she earned her B.S. in microbiology. As a medical student, she was a student health policy mentee in the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy's office. Dr. Pass also served as president and regional council member of the Student National Medical Association. In the final year of her master's program, she was awarded the highest honor bestowed at the University of Miami, being inducted into the Iron Arrow Honor Society. Dr. Pass' dedication to the community began in 2001 when she opened her primary care practice in Lake Wales, Florida. Before going into solo practice, she suffered from congestive heart failure and recuperated at home for 18 months after giving birth to her third child. Her dedication to providing quality care to her patients continued to flourish as she rose through the ranks of leadership at AdventHealth Lake Wales. While on staff for the past 20 years, she has served on every committee and has been elected three times as chairman of medicine. Currently, she is serving as the first Black female chief of staff. Dr. Pass' specialties include internal medicine, wound care, and hyperbaric medicine. Her passions are her three lovely children, Alexandra, who is a graduate student, and Nicholas and Christian, who are in college. For that and more, Dr. Carolyn Pass, we honor you. Honoring Dr. Vincent Miller, II

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Cara Nelson-James. Dr. Cara Nelson-James joined Central Florida as the chief medical officer in December of 2019. She obtained her medical degree at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her residency training in family medicine was at North Broward Hospital's district affiliated Broward General Medical Center. Along with being a valuable member of the Central Florida Health Care team for over 14 years, she is also an associate clinical professor at Nova Southeastern University's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Nelson-James continues to provide direct patient care at the Dundee Community Health Center 2 days a week. She has been instrumental in working with BayCare on the residency program in Polk County through Florida State University. She is an advocate for clinical education so students and residents can experience the heartfelt mission of community healthcare. During this challenging COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Nelson-James has spearheaded efforts to provide testing for thousands of patients and vaccines to the 65 and older populations and HCW alike. Dr. Nelson-James is passionate about everyone having access to quality healthcare and bridging the gap in health equity. She has committed herself to empowering her patients to be active participants in their journey to health. She will always find a way to say yes to programs that benefit the community and are dedicated to the cause. Dr. Nelson-James is married with four children and lives in Winter Haven, Florida. In her spare time, she enjoys watching basketball, staying fit, and reading. For those reasons and more, Dr. Cara Nelson-James, we honor you. Honoring Dr. Carolyn Pass

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Joshua J. Myers. Joshua J. Myers is a not-for-profit leader with over 14 years of marketing communications, fundraising, and sales management experience. Throughout his career, Joshua has been featured as a commentator for print, radio and television, and other mediums promoting health education and disease prevention. Through his work, Joshua seeks to promote his passion for connecting people to health and wellness resources that improve their lives, especially those disproportionately affected by health disparities. Currently, Joshua serves as the Development and Communications Director at Hope and Health Center of Central Florida, Inc., a medical clinic with operations throughout Florida. Joshua holds a bachelor's degree in theater and communications from the College at Brockport, SUNY, a master's in communications and media technologies from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and a master's in arts management from the University of Buffalo, SUNY, at which he was the Arthur A. Schomburg fellow. He currently resides in Altamonte Springs, Florida, and enjoys reading, cooking, fitness, and the beach. For that and more, Mr. Joshua J. Myers, we honor you. Honoring Angela Eady

Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize Allison Kirby. Allison Kirby has proudly served as the principal of Jones High School for the past 4 years. She is proud of her experience as an English teacher, librarian, and assistant principal, experiences that she feels have helped her become a strong leader for Jones High School students. Kirby's dream is to create an environment where all children feel loved and adequately prepared to tackle adulthood and higher education. Her passion for helping young people comes from her grandmother, who served as a high school English teacher in a segregated school. Her grandmother's passion for her students helped instill a sense of obligation and devotion to education within Kirby's heart. In its early years, Jones High School was the only public high school for African Americans. However, the high school is now open to all students, and Kirby is devoted to ensuring that the environment only grows to be more inclusive to students. In her efforts to promote educational opportunities for students, Ms. Kirby has led the school in becoming an official community partnership school, revamping the Medical Magnet Program to produce licensed practical nurses and include a Junior Law Enforcement Academy. Ask anyone at Jones High and they will tell you they are, ``history in the making.'' Outside of her work, Ms. Kirby happily lives in downtown Orlando with her husband, Dan, and her daughter, Ileana. For that and more, Ms. Allison Kirby, we honor you. Honoring Joshua J. Myers