Elissa Slotkin

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to a local hero on his 100th birthday. William ``Bill'' Root of East Lansing, Michigan, began serving his country in World War II and has never stopped, taking on various high level governmental and advisory positions over the course of his long and fruitful career, and devoting his life to working for global peace. Born on September 20, 1923 in Boston, Massachusetts, it's not likely that a young Bill Root aspired to one day be named the ``Grandfather of Export Controls,'' but he did know he wanted to use his life to make his Nation a stronger, better place. After graduating from Colorado College, Bill was spurred into action after the attack on Pearl Harbor and joined the United States Navy. There, he served as a radar maintenance officer in the Pacific Theater, and upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Bill was in the first graduating class from what is now the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University where he received his Master's Degree along with a certificate from the Russian Institute. Around the same time, he married the love of his life, Constance Young. Over the course of their incredible 72 year marriage, the Roots would go on to raise four children, and those ``roots'' have spread with seven surviving grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Bill's first civilian job was with the Bureau of the Budget, where he worked from 1948 to 1950, before joining the State Department later that year. There he stayed for 33 years, serving as an economics officer in various United States embassies including Germany, Denmark, and Vietnam. Root learned years later that he was the only State Department employee stationed in Vietnam who filed a message protesting the U.S. invasion of Cambodia using the dissent channel that was formally established to communicate outside the normal chain of command. In 1976, he became director of the Office of East-West Trade at the State Department. He resigned from that position in 1983 in protest over inter-departmental deliberations about export control policy. For the last 30 years, Bill has consulted on export controls, first from his home near Washington, D.C., and then, virtually, from East Lansing, Michigan, where he moved in 2015. In 1989 he co-authored the book, ``United States Export Controls,'' which he updated regularly through 2013 and is still today considered the definitive volume on the issue. In recent years he has continued to provide expert commentary on export controls with respect to China, Russia, and global issues like the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. At 100, Bill is still widely regarded as a leading national expert on the topic. Since leaving the federal government, Bill has pursued his passion for working for world peace by participating in the Friends Committee on National Legislation and other organizations with a global focus. For a full century, he has lived an extraordinary life of principled service, and continues to give back to the Nation and global community he so intricately understands and loves. As he now celebrates his 100th birthday, I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him on this milestone and thanking him for his myriad contributions.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I honor a Lansing, Michigan-based institution that for 30 years has been dedicated to revitalizing communities across our great state and around the country. Guided by the belief that every community needs affordable housing, job opportunities, high-quality healthcare, and childcare, Cinnaire has, since 1993, strategically invested in economically and racially marginalized communities that have historically been denied access to Capital. As this vibrant non-profit organization celebrates its 30th anniversary, I applaud Cinnaire for the systemic change it is helping to bring about. Armed with a dream and vision to change lives and transform struggling neighborhoods, Cinnaire's founder and CEO Mark McDaniel sat down in 1993 at a table with a phone and a Rolodex of names and contact information. From those humble beginnings, he launched a new tax credit fund in Michigan, which over the past 3 decades has become a nearly $6 billion investment. As a community development financial organization, Mark and his team, which has now grown to 130 dedicated employees, have found creative ways to leverage existing financial resources from public and private sector organizations to provide access to investment funding, lending options, and other services that support economic development in the communities they serve. The result has been profound: since 1993, Cinnaire has supported more than 1,000 housing developments, provided more than 63,000 affordable apartments, and created or retained more than 92,000 jobs. I have seen firsthand the transformative work Cinnaire is doing in Lansing, and I am so thankful for its commitment to systemic change and problem-solving. I salute Cinnaire for a 30-year commitment to ensuring everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us, can lead lives of dignity and opportunity. May the good work of this organization continue long into the future.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call out the amendments that have been forced into the Pentagon budget over the past month-and- a-half. When this Pentagon budget was voted on in our committee, it passed 58-1. I voted for it, as did many of my peers on this side of the aisle and the other side of the aisle. When it left our committee, it became a wish list of the rightwing culture war agenda. If you take a 40,000-foot view of what is going on here, it becomes very clear. The other side of the aisle is not going to stop until there is a Federal ban on all abortions, in every State, in every circumstance. Our last speaker made it clear. A bill that is typically bipartisan has now become a prisoner of this debate. Let's review the bidding. We have seen the other side of the aisle put in unnecessary abortion restrictions in minor appropriations, in veterans' bills targeting female veterans. A single Senator is holding up 300 critical military nominations because servicemembers want to get leave to get the care that they need, and the NDAA in its current form is targeting servicewomen specifically. Make no mistake, the United States should hear that in every place, in every possible window. The people on the other side of the aisle are going to continue their 50-year pledge to get rid of all abortions everywhere. They are open about that. While those of them who are in competitive elections may try to mealymouth what they have done for the past 20 years, we need to hear what they are telling us. The other side of the aisle is taking national security issues hostage for their unrelenting fight on this issue so that no woman can have a right to an abortion if she has been raped, if she is the victim of incest, or for a simple miscarriage, which one out of three women in America have had. I know the other side of the aisle is not listening on this issue. The American people need to hear it loud and clear. They want a Federal ban on abortion.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Ken and Liz Nobis of St. Johns, Michigan, a couple who have devoted their lives to the betterment of Michigan's agriculture industry, both on and off the farm. Ken and Liz are first and foremost dairy farmers, but they're also trailblazers, leaders, and advocates. I am fortunate to call them friends, and now we can all call them part of our State's rich history, as their names are added to the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame. After proudly serving his Nation in the United States Army, Ken returned to the farm where he was raised. For more than 50 years now, he and his wife, Liz, have co-owned Nobis Dairy Farms, the third generation of the Nobis family to do so. The farm includes about 1,000 dairy cows and 2,500 acres on which they grow various crops, including alfalfa, corn, soybeans, and wheat. As if that wouldn't keep them busy enough, the Nobis' have consistently and actively sought out ways to elevate Michigan agriculture. They have worked hand in glove with Michigan State University, helping hundreds of students complete research projects on the farm, hosting speaking engagements and other events, and creating scholarships for future farmers. Ken has served as the State's unofficial ``Milk Man,'' leading at various times the Michigan Milk Producers Association, the Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, the National Milk Producers Federation, and the Michigan State University Dairy Stakeholder Committee, to name a few. But what's always stood out to me is their desire to be the best possible stewards of what they've been given: the land, the animals, and their own time, treasure, and talents. Nobis Dairy Farms has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts in agriculture, and Ken and Liz have constantly sought to shine a light on food security issues with their involvement in supplying milk to food banks statewide. Never was this more apparent than during the Flint water crisis, when Nobis Dairy Farms helped coordinate the effort to provide tens of thousands of gallons of milk to Flint children to help mitigate the effects of lead in the body. For thousands of years, farmers have been the unsung heroes we look to in times of feast and famine, bringing new life from the soil and stewarding resources to sustain life into the future. Today's farmers carry an extra burden: safeguarding life on this planet for generations to come. Ken and Liz Nobis have lived this quiet heroism on their bucolic St. Johns farm for more than 50 years, and it's only fitting their names now take their rightful place in the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I honor a local hero who bravely served and defended our Nation overseas, then returned home to build a thriving life and business back in Michigan. As Willis James Rockwood celebrates his 100th birthday, I pay tribute to his extraordinary life of service and dedication to his country, his family, and his community. Willis Rockwood was born on August 26, 1923 in Long Rapids, Michigan. He enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served as an infantryman and squad leader during World War II. His service took him across the world and back, fighting with and for our allies in the European and Pacific theaters. Willis' exemplary service earned him multiple awards and commendations, including a Good Conduct Medal and a letter of recognition from President Harry S. Truman. Upon his honorable discharge, Willis returned to Michigan where he and his best friend from the Army set out to use their skills and talents to build a life not just for themselves but for others, a plan that came together as Flositz and Rockwood Quality Home Builders. This successful construction company flourished for decades, and in 1949, the foundation of Willis' own family was installed when he married Marion Elizabeth Storing. They spent 65 wonderful years together until her passing in 2015, and their love expanded many times over with the additions of 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Willis Rockwood built his post-Army life in the Lansing, Michigan, area, where he has devoted himself to many organizations and community groups, including the American Legion Post No. 238, the Church of the Nazarene where he taught Sunday School, and his neighborhood watch, where he is known for generously shoveling driveways and sidewalks throughout the community. He is a man of many hobbies and talents, including wood carving, flying his plane, and bowling. And in the large and loving family he established, Willis is beloved as the historical archivist and storyteller, with a zest for life and a laugh that echoes across multiple generations. Mr. Speaker, Willis Rockwood is a man who has spent his long and fruitful life deeply devoted to his family, his friends, his country, and his faith. Those who know and love him fondly refer to him as their ``National Treasure,'' and I assert that he is just that. On the occasion of his 100th birthday, I salute his life of service, and want to reflect our community, our state, and our Nation's gratitude for all he has contributed and constructed.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Steven Lonzo of Lansing, Michigan, an educator who made a tangible and lasting impact on his students and on the community. As the final bell rings on his educational career, I honor his extraordinary devotion to shaping, lifting up, and supporting the next generation. Steven Lonzo began his teaching career in Coloma, Michigan, and soon after joined the Lansing School District as a middle school language arts teacher. Little did a young Mr. Lonzo know that the district would become his world, his home, and his heart over the next several decades. Over the course of his career, Mr. Lonzo touched the lives of students at Lansing's Dwight Rich Middle School, Eastern High School, Everett High School, Harry Hill Vocational Center and Success Program, Sexton High School, and finally Willow Elementary, the building where he has served as principal for the past 11 years. Beloved inside each of those buildings, Mr. Lonzo's impact was also felt outside the classroom walls, as he constantly sought opportunities to improve the quality of life for his students, his staff, and the community at large. Those efforts include donating tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to Lansing students through businesses he owned with his wife, Re'Shane, establishing a clothing closet for students and families, coordinating the purchase of boots and warm winter gear for students in need, ensuring no school families went without holiday meals or gifts, and organizing a 5K run to raise awareness of human trafficking and stranger danger in the Lansing area. From the beginning of his career, Mr. Lonzo understood that educating a child extends far beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic, and throughout his career he sought to meet the needs of the whole child, the whole family, and the whole community. In addition to his successful school career, he and his wife used their various entrepreneurial projects to further this goal, including their commercial real estate group focused on redeveloping blighted and distressed properties in communities that need economic partnerships, like Lansing's Saginaw Street Corridor. Mr. Lonzo also understands that not every student has the same educational needs, which is why he launched the DRM International Learning Center, a state licensed vocational trade school headquartered in Lansing that has been operating since 2002. Steven Lonzo once said that choosing to become an educator changed the course of his life. I say that in turn, his choice changed and shaped the lives of the thousands of students who were fortunate enough to benefit from his service. The same is true for the many teachers, staff members, and parents he mentored along the way. As he concludes his educational career, it is fitting that we recognize the profound and enduring legacy of motivation, compassion, and expertise he leaves behind. On behalf of Michigan's 7th Congressional District, I thank him for choosing service over self and wish him a happy retirement with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His service to the community will forever be remembered in the Lansing School District.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the legacy of a Livingston County, Michigan woman whose life, though cut tragically short, was a testament to kindness, inclusivity, and tolerance. Pamela Ann Ross of Brighton never sought attention, never wanted credit for the light she spread so generously everywhere she went. But as those who love her grapple with her loss, we must lift up her life as an example of what it really means to live in community. Pam loved her state and the people in it. A proud graduate of Milford High School, she traveled right down the road to attend Michigan State University, leaving the state only briefly to pursue a Master's degree in teaching from Arizona State University. Pam brought those skills and talents back home, seeking to help set students up for success as citizens of the world and inspire in them a drive to do well and succeed in life. To this day, she is remembered as a beloved and inspirational second grade teacher who wanted nothing more than to see her students reach their full potential. As she built her family, first with husband Stan and later with their 2 sons, Jackson and Nicholas, and 2 canine ``children,'' Luna and Bella, Pam made the decision to devote herself fully to the homefront. But she never stepped back from her mission to be of service to others, nor did she ever stop seeing the very best in people. Pam was a steadfast volunteer in her children's classrooms, with Boy Scouts, and with numerous community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity where she served on the board of directors for many years. Pam was also a fierce advocate for equality, and a firm believer that every child and every person in the community deserves love, acceptance, and respect just as they are. She was particularly passionate about vulnerable populations, speaking out in her firm but loving way at school board meetings and organizing events in support of LGBTQ+ and minority students, as well as those with disabilities. But it was Pam's quiet life of service that her friends and family remember most: the way holiday and birthday gifts would appear on the porches of neighborhood children whose parents were going through tough times, or the gift cards those same parents would find under their doormats, the backpacks she stuffed full of school supplies for kids who might otherwise go without, the meal deliveries that just showed up for families in need. Pam never attached her name to those gifts. But everyone knew where they came from--and the love behind them. Mr. Speaker, in this world there are those who dream of a better world and those who actively work to make it so, and Pam was the rare blend of both. In Pam's world, neighbors looked after each other no matter what, and strangers were merely friends she had yet to meet. Her unexpected passing leaves a deep void in the hearts and lives of so many, and I send my deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her. May her memory live on in every step we actively take toward a kinder, more inclusive community. Everyone was welcome in Pam's heart and in her home, so it is fitting that her legacy will forever be remembered.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I honor a Livingston County, Michigan, family that has quietly, and without fanfare, devoted themselves over the past decade to the service of their community, their Nation, and veterans in need. Kathy and Steve Vasiloff of Green Oak Township have long enjoyed throwing parties in their lakeside home, making their backyard a popular gathering place for friends, family, and neighbors. But when their son David joined the United States Marine Corps in 2007, those parties took on a different tone: sending him off and welcoming him home from training, and then from multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Hit twice by improvised explosive devices during his tours of duty, David came home in 2011 a changed man, and as a result, his family changed direction as well. Seeking to honor their son's service, and the stories he told of his brothers and sisters in arms, many of whom did not come home, the Vasiloff family decided to combine their love of throwing parties with a purpose. Ten years ago they opened up their home for a summer soiree, this time asking for donations for wounded veterans, and raised an impressive $3,000 in one evening. The next summer, the party grew, and so did the funds raised. And so a tradition was born, one that has blossomed into an annual extravaganza featuring live music, raffles, gift baskets, hundreds of attendees, and tens of thousands of dollars in donations for the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund, a Michigan non-profit supporting injured servicemen and the families of heroes in our state. In fact, over the decade the Vasiloff family has been holding these fundraisers, they've become the largest private donors to the organization, with total donations closing in on $200,000. Planning and holding a fundraiser of this magnitude is a huge team effort, and a major undertaking for the Vasiloffs. As such, the Vasiloff family has decided that 2023 will be their final event. But it certainly won't be the end of their service. David, the proud Marine who helped inspire the fundraisers, continues to inspire, serve, and protect his hometown community of Green Oak Township, where he is now a police officer. And Kathy and Steve will never stop supporting the brave men and women like their son who come home with visible and invisible scars of war, as well as the service families whose lives are forever shattered by loss. Service to one's country takes many forms, and that includes contributing to our collective goal of moving toward a more perfect union. Mr. Speaker, the Vasiloff family has never sought praise or publicity for their efforts, instead directing all attention to the cause so close to their hearts. But as they prepare for their tenth and final summer event, I thank them for their faithful service.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, later today we will begin voting on the NDAA, the National Defense Authorization Act, the Pentagon budget. Moving this legislation forward has almost always been a bipartisan issue in Congress. It takes on the responsibilities of funding our military. It protects our national security. It has been a bipartisan effort for nearly six decades. But last night, after midnight, Republican leadership decided to bring to the floor dozens of partisan divisive amendments. If adopted, these amendments would transform this bill and transform our military. It is quite literally a wish list of the rightwing extremist colleagues on the other side of the aisle. There is an amendment to end all affirmative action in our officer corps, something even our Supreme Court refused to do just a few weeks ago. There is an amendment to full stop, end all aid to Ukraine, at the very moment we are expanding NATO and working on protecting democracy abroad on behalf of all democracies. Another one that they passed was a divisive amendment that prevents female servicemembers in the military from accessing the reproductive care that they need and they deserve. Plain and simple, last night, they chose culture war over national security, and they are doing so as part of a clear effort to prevent every single American woman from accessing care. It is part and parcel of a larger campaign to impose a nationwide ban on abortion. Last night, like I said, in the dead of night, the Freedom Caucus passed this amendment to stop the military from paying for a bus ticket or a plane ticket for any woman who needs an abortion, and it is proof of this bigger plan. In addition to this amendment that passed last night, we have amendments in the Appropriations Committee that are the same thing. We have a single Senator, Senator Tuberville, who is holding and blocking 250 military promotions right now, the head of the Marine Corps, the head of the Army, the head of the Navy, because he objects to the fact that a woman might get a paid bus ticket to get an abortion. If blocking these nominations continues, we will have no Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, no commandant of the Marine Corps for the first time in 134 years, no Army chief of staff. His colleagues, who claim to care about national security, are letting him get away with it. Now, they have used this bipartisan bill in order to make their point. Forty-six percent of Active Duty servicewomen are stationed in States that now either ban or very severely restrict abortion. They have no choice. They are based there. They have signed up to serve their country. They have been put on a base in Texas or Alabama. That is not their choice. That is their duty. The authors of these amendments are not set on just letting the reversal of Roe sit and having States make their own decisions. The authors of these amendments are from Alabama and Texas, which ban abortion, including in the case of rape or incest. Why is this important? It is important because we need to hear what people are telling us. They are telling us that they will not stop with the reversal of Roe that happened a year ago. They will not stop when States like Michigan organize to make sure we have protections for women who want abortions. They want every single American, starting with our servicemembers, to live under the same rules that they choose in their States. We need to hear what they are telling us and act accordingly. They are choosing politics over our women in uniform, choosing politics in the Senate over our national security. So, please, I have never in my life, as someone who served in the CIA, who served in the Pentagon, thought about voting against this bill. I believe in it. It is about paying our military and getting them what they need. Please keep your culture war baggage out of national security.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Chair, I rise today with my colleagues in opposition to this amendment, and I want to make sure that everyone understands what this amendment means. This amendment, plus other amendments that are the exact same in the Appropriations Committee, plus the same hold that is going on by Senator Tuberville, are putting culture wars ahead of national security. We understand that Mr. Jackson, the author of this amendment, is from Texas and that he supports an outright ban on all abortions, including for rape and for incest. We understand that he doesn't trust women. He certainly can't claim to care about recruitment into the military. What we cannot miss, though, is that this is part and parcel of a goal from a party that wants a Federal ban on abortion. It wasn't enough that we overturned Roe in our Supreme Court, and it doesn't matter if States like Michigan vote on their ballot to preserve Roe. The majority will not stop until there is a Federal ban where it won't matter what happens in States. Madam Chair, I stand in strong opposition to this amendment.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to a group of dedicated, devoted, and darling therapists who just happen to have four legs. The Brighton Area Schools Social and Emotional Learning Dogs, or ``BAS Pack of Dogs,'' as they are better known, are celebrating 15 years of service to the district and to the community, and in that time this program has become a source of pride for the district and a model for the state and the Nation. But before there was a pack, there was a dog, a teacher, and an idea. In 2008, middle school special education teacher Karen Storey witnessed the positive response kids had to a fellow teacher's dog. That prompted her to research the physical, social, and emotional benefits of therapy dogs on students. Spurred by her research, she approached then- superintendent Greg Gray with a proposal to add a therapy dog to the building. Less than a decade later, with the full support of the community, Brighton became the only district in the State to own a therapy dog for every single building, and several for the high school. Over the years, the dogs have become cherished educational assistants, eager to lend a paw when students need extra comfort, a non-judgmental reading partner, or just a friendly and slightly slobbery face. And like furry first responders, the Pack of Dogs will hit the road whenever duty calls, offering love and support to grieving students and teachers across the State when tragedy strikes. I saw this firsthand in the wake of the deadly school shooting in Oxford in November of 2021. For weeks, all 13 members of the Pack of Dogs and their handlers traveled 50 miles each way to comfort traumatized students, absorbing tears into their shiny coats, and gently reminding everyone, one loving nuzzle at a time, of the good that still existed in the world. And they did it again in February 2023, when Michigan State University was similarly shattered by yet another deadly shooting. Not only has the Pack of Dogs shown up for other schools, but the program regularly fields calls from school districts around the Nation who want to replicate this success, seeking advice from the leaders of the Pack. From community donations of funds, food, veterinary care, and so much more that make this program possible, to the handlers who welcome these dogs into their homes, to the students who welcome them into their hearts, the BAS Pack of Dogs is a model for schools nationwide, and its founders deserve to be named Top Dog. In celebration of 15 years of canine collaboration, I salute the BAS Pack of Dogs and its humans for the profound difference they have made in the lives of so many. It may be true that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but a Pack of Dogs can clearly teach all of us new ways of thinking. As man's best friend, it is only fitting that I honor the contributions of the BAS Pack of Dogs.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to a first responder, a community leader, and a visionary in the firefighting world. Captain Tom Kiurski of the Brighton Area Fire Authority has dedicated 43 years to the service and protection of the community. He has also helped build a training program that has become a model for the state and the nation. As he now prepares to hang up his gear, it is fitting that we celebrate the profound difference he has made and the legacy he leaves behind. According to an old proverb, luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity, and that was clearly the case when Captain Kiurski came to Brighton in 2012. Kiurski was a veteran fire instructor, having taught many college-level classes, and Michigan law had recently changed to allow high school students to begin training at age 16 and receive provisional firefighting certification at 18. Another stroke of luck found fellow firefighter Mike Witt at the helm of the Howell Public Schools Board of Education, and a collaboration between the two of them, with the support of local schools, departments, and the community, transformed some unused classrooms at Howell High School into a state-of-the-art, realistic fire station setting for training for high school students. Since its inception 10 years ago, more than 250 Livingston County students have successfully completed the Howell Fire Academy, finishing high school with firefighting certifications they obtained at no cost, ready to immediately step into action to serve their communities and fill a tangible need as first responders. Over the past decade, the program has grown in size and scope, moving to a new location and attracting students and instructors from far and wide. None of this would have been possible had it not been for Captain Tom Kiurski. I wish all good things for Captain Kiurski as he begins this new and well-earned chapter in retirement, and I hope that it brings him and his wife Nancy all the opportunities they have been waiting for to travel and enjoy their extended family. No matter how you define ``luck,'' there's no question the Livingston County community is beyond fortunate to have reaped the benefits of his service. For all he has given and for what he has helped to build, I ask that his extraordinary career and accomplishments in launching the Howell Fire Academy be forever remembered.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a beloved teacher, principal, friend, and community member who has dedicated a half-century to Michigan's public schools and their students. As Amy Grande of Rochester Hills prepares to step down after 50 years at University Hills Elementary School in the Rochester Community Schools district, I am filled with gratitude for the thousands of lives she has helped guide and the glowing example she has set of what it means to live a life of service. It was 1973 and before the ink had dried on her degree in elementary education from Michigan State University, Amy arrived at University Hills Elementary to begin her career as a teacher, and was placed in a first grade classroom. From that day on, Amy's colleagues and supervisors say she anchored her classroom in respect, trust, love, and positivity, traits that would only grow over her long and fruitful career. Over the course of the next 25 years, Amy was called on to teach every grade from first through sixth, and no matter the grade level or the subject, she reflected what she expected: kindness and good citizenship. In 1998, Amy transitioned to a learning consultant role and, while she left her beloved classroom, her students remained at the heart of her work and decisions. This remained the case when she was appointed principal of the University Hills in 2000, and has continued throughout her nearly quarter-century tenure in that position. Valuing positive relationships and collaboration above all, Amy is famous for knowing not just the names of the students in her building but their stories, and for turning her staff meetings into ``celebration meetings.'' On any given day, she is seen where it matters the most: wherever her students are. That meant in the hallways, classrooms, playground, and even at events outside the school. Her school has been, and will always be, an extension of her family and herself. Amy earned many accolades in her long career, including Principal of the Year for Region 7 Oakland County from the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association in 2016. But I have no doubt the awards she treasures most are the intangibles: the love of learning she has inspired in so many, the careers she has nurtured and shaped, and the indelible mark she has left on the hearts and minds of the entire entire University Hills Elementary School community. For 50 years, Amy Grande lived her passion for education every single day, an extraordinary gift that University Hills Elementary and the Rochester Community Schools district were so fortunate to receive. As Amy now prepares to begin a new chapter in retirement, my hope is that she feels all the love and care that she has poured into others returned to her. I wish her many relaxing days doing her favorite things: spending time with her family, tending to her garden, volunteering in the community, and leisurely reading. On behalf of a grateful community, and the thousands of lives she touched, I am honored to reflect on the extraordinary service and leadership of Amy Grande, a teacher for the ages.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who wore many hats, and wore all of them with a smile. Clyde John Stanlake of Laingsburg was a public servant, a pillar of the community, and a beloved face around town. His death leaves a void in the hearts of the Laingsburg community where his kindness and example of selfless service will never be forgotten. To say that Clyde loved Laingsburg is an understatement. To say that he served Laingsburg is woefully inadequate as well. For more than 30 years, he literally put his life on the line for this community, serving as a firefighter, a medical first responder, and a lieutenant with LSW Emergency Services from 1987 to 2017. After a long shift of fighting fire's and saving lives, Clyde continued to give of himself in service with his other responsibilities: he was elected to multiple terms on Laingsburg City Council, served on the Planning Commission, and was president of the Library Board. As if that wasn't enough, Clyde devoted whatever spare time he had to community organizations. He was a lifelong member of the Lions Club, and the only member in the club's history to have been chosen to serve as president not once, not twice, but four times. Clyde chaired the annual Springtime Festival-- Laingsburg's biggest community event--for many years, and was grand marshal of the parade on several occasions. If you didn't know Clyde from the fire station, City Hall, the festival, or the Lions Club, you most certainly knew him from the grocery store. A faithful employee of the Sage Market for 40 years, no shopper walked through the door during Clyde's shift without receiving a friendly smile and a sincere welcome. Beloved by his coworkers, his managers, and shoppers alike, his honesty, integrity, and reliability were legendary. Clyde was the embodiment of community goodwill in virtually every form. He upheld his oath to serve and protect, ran for office to represent his community, volunteered for every cause, and never stopped trying to make a difference in people's lives. And he did it all with his signature smile. In the polarized, divided world we live in, Clyde's faithful service was all the more rare, and his absence is all the more painful. The Laingsburg community lost a bright light when Clyde passed away in February 2023, but his lessons call to us from every corner of the community if. we're willing to listen, to learn, and to try to use our lives as he used his: in service to each other. Mr. Speaker, I send my condolences to the Laingsburg community and ask that Clyde John Stanlake forever be remembered here, in the People's House, as someone who changed the world with a smile.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 50th anniversary and the life-changing work of Work Skills Corporation in Brighton, Michigan. For the past half-century, this non-profit has empowered and enriched the lives of people with disabilities and other barriers by providing meaningful employment and both educational and artistic opportunities. It's been said that necessity is the mother of invention, but in the case of Work Skills, its creation was the work of both mothers and fathers, motivated by both necessity and love. In the early 1970s, a group of parents of children with disabilities saw very few options after high school to support their children, so they created the opportunities we celebrate today. In 1973, they officially founded Work Skills Corporation, with the goal of creating innovative training and vocational programs to allow participants to identify skills and perform real work for competitive pay. In so doing, the programs offered benefits to participants, employers, and the community at large. In 1978, Work Skills Corporation moved to a larger location on Weber Street to expand services, as the organization's person-centered approach to vocational assessment, training, and job placement programs flourished and evolved. Soon after, Work Skills Corporation established its first account with General Motors, a relationship that continues today. It was also at the Weber Street building where Work Skills Corporation first received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, a demonstration of commitment to continuous improvement Work Skills has maintained to this day. By 1981, Work Skills Corporation had outgrown its space again and moved to its current location on Summit Street to accommodate a larger portfolio of community and business opportunities and increased demand for services. Work Skills Corporation partnered with Brighton Area Schools to offer on-site adult education classes, developed a custodial training program and was awarded contracts with the Michigan Department of Transportation, and provided mailroom services for Detroit Diesel Corporation. Today, Work Skills Corporation has evolved to operate nine distinct service lines, and has enriched the lives of more than 50,000 participants who have collectively earned more than $25 million through meaningful work opportunities and artistic commissions. For 50 years, Work Skills Corporation has helped people with disabilities create a pathway to economic opportunity, equity, and advancement. As a result, we are a more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community, and I express my profound gratitude and best wishes for the future.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who lived his entire life in quiet, dedicated service to the community he so loved, and whose loss we now mourn. Larry Silsby of Mason, Michigan, was a consummate public servant, deeply devoted to the principles of family, farming, and faith, and a fierce advocate for the interests of rural communities across our great state. Larry was born on April 18, 1939, and graduated from Mason High School in 1957. Just a few years later, he married his wife Judith Emens, a love story that would bloom across more than 60 years. Together, they raised 3 children, and would go on to become grandparents of 8, and great grandparents of 2. As his family tree grew, he nourished its many branches through his example of hard work, honesty, and his secret recipe for pancakes. Larry cherished his time with his family, especially at their cottage on Drummond Island, where he loved to hunt for stones and watch the Lake Huron waves roll in. But make no mistake about it--Mason was home, and most certainly where Larry's heart was. A man of the land, Larry spent more than a quarter century working his dairy farm, then continued to lend his expertise to the agriculture community as a board member for the Michigan Farm Bureau. He also served as a trustee for the Board of Education of his alma mater, Mason Public Schools, and was active in the local Masonic Lodge. In 1982 he was elected to the Aurelius Township Board, and from 1984 until the time of his death in March of this year, he served as Township Supervisor. It's remarkable enough to hold the same job for nearly 40 years, but when that job is to serve the public, it's truly amazing. Larry was known for greeting everyone who walked into the township hall as a friend, whether they were there to dispute an assessment or inquire about a cemetery plot. And It should be noted that this was no cushy desk job, at least not for Larry, who was so devoted to his beloved community that he was often spotted mowing the grass and pulling weeds at the township parks in the mornings, and making sure the gates were pulled closed each evening. Perhaps his proudest accomplishment was overseeing the creation and opening of a new park, which will now live on as a testament to the goodwill he planted everywhere he went. Larry was one of the first township supervisors I met when I took office in 2019, and someone whose advice I often sought on rural issues and perspectives. He dedicated his life to the betterment of the Mason area, and served, with no fanfare or spotlight, as the essential link connecting people to the services they needed to improve their lives. Today we mourn his loss, but we also celebrate the difference he made. On behalf of a grateful community, state, and Nation, I honor Larry for his faithful public service.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Oded Norkin, an extraordinary public servant who over the past year has provided extensive humanitarian assistance to the Country of Ukraine. When Russia began its illegal invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Mr. Norkin answered the call and selflessly dedicated his time to sourcing and delivering critical aid to the most vulnerable citizens of Ukraine. For Mr. Norkin, this was personal: his grandparents, Sara and Moshe Norkin, were killed in the streets of Odesa, Ukraine, in 1941, during the Holocaust. Mr. Norkin, who was born in Israel and served in the Israeli Army during the 1973 war before immigrating to the United States in 1978, has become a pillar of the community in Mid-Michigan. A man of action, he immediately looked for ways to help. Mr. Norkin, alongside the Greater Lansing Jewish Federation and concerned citizens across the State of Michigan and beyond, gathered donations for the people of Ukraine. Separate from his activism, Mr. Norkin serves as the Vice President of Michigan Flyer, a public- transportation bus company. Because of this, he was able to translate his knowledge of the transportation industry into lifesaving help for the people of Ukraine. In the early days of the war, Mr. Norkin, together with a team of volunteers, helped evacuate elderly and infirm citizens of Odesa and Kharkiv to safety. Mr. Norkin and his team also secured five vehicles--four ambulances and one commercial vehicle--and necessary medical supplies and emergency equipment to be sent to Ukraine. The Greater Lansing Jewish Federation raised donations to cover the cost of an ambulance, defibrillators, and additional first aid supplies. The ambulances were refurbished, supplied with emergency equipment specific to conflict zones, and delivered to cities across Ukraine. Mr. Norkin transferred the first of these ambulances to Odesa in March 2022. Within a month, a second and third ambulance were sent to Dnipro full of supplies to help aid vulnerable citizens. The fourth ambulance was later sent to Kyiv, and a commercial evacuation vehicle was sent to Chernivtsi. Mr. Norkin has galvanized support for the Ukrainian people across Michigan and beyond. He has partnered with civil society leaders in Israel and Romania who have supported his efforts and connected him with like-minded individuals who assisted in completing these missions. Mr. Norkin remains an important leader in his local community. Even while traveling abroad to deliver aid, he remains active in the Kehillat Israel Congregation and the Rotary International Service Club. Through these connections, Mr. Norkin continues to recruit, organize, and inspire others to join him in his mission to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. Mr. Oded Norkin continues to carry out this important work. He answers to a higher call to render assistance to those in greatest need, stands as a shining example and inspiration to all for his selfless efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine, and will forever be remembered.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the extraordinary career of a true servant leader. Mark Robinson has used his time, talent, and treasure to be the voice of the most vulnerable in our state, including more than two decades at the helm of Livingston County Catholic Charities. But it all began with a young boy from Detroit studying his multiplication tables and catechism. Shortly after the death of his mother, a young Mark Robinson, newly enrolled in Catholic school, began learning some of the lessons that would shape his life, including compassion, kindness, gentleness, and humility. Mark went on to attend Mercy College (now University of Detroit Mercy), and received his Master's degree in social work from Wayne State University. Armed with his faith, his education, and a firm commitment to make the world a better place, Mark began his social work career at Boysville, a haven for troubled young men, before taking a position at Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan. Through it all, he rooted himself in his faith, staying actively involved in Christian service at his local parish. In January of 2001, Mark became the Executive Director of Livingston County Catholic Charities, a post he has held for the past 22 years. In that time, he has used every tool at his disposal to build a team of equally compassionate caregivers and to extend the organization's reach into the community. That includes spearheading the county's first day program for adults with dementia, overseeing the Special Ministries program for adults with developmental disabilities, securing a federal grant for a countywide substance abuse program, providing mental health counseling and foster care services, and ensuring that in all that it does, the organization lives up to its commitment to serve all residents regardless of religious preference, sex, age, ability or finances. On several occasions Mark has opened up his office for me, and arranged meetings with local leaders so that I could hear from a diverse group of stakeholders. While he is retiring from his day job, I know his commitment to the community will never end, because it is who he is. I wish Mark all the best as he begins this new chapter, one I hope will be filled with quality time with his wife, Anne, and his daughter, Sarah. And if it isn't too much to ask, I wish for a winning season for his beloved Detroit Tigers. I would like to express my gratitude for the self-proclaimed ``city boy'' who has for so many years faithfully served Livingston County with his whole heart.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable life of Irene M. Hosking of Owosso, Michigan, who now celebrates an equally remarkable milestone: her 105th birthday. As a former Army nurse and a fierce advocate for women and veterans, Ms. Hosking has served both her patients and her country with pride. Irene was born April 20, 1918 to Harry and Hilma M. Cox in Hurley, Wisconsin, the oldest of five siblings. In 1936, as a young graduate of Lincoln High School, Ms. Hosking already knew she wanted to devote her life to helping others, and enrolled in the Milwaukee Passavant Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1940. When her brother survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Irene again knew exactly what she wanted to do: on May 15, 1942, she joined the United States Army Nurse Corps. It was then, as World War II raged, that Irene first came to Michigan, as she was assigned to Fort Custer, near Battle Creek. Soon after, she was dispatched to Camp McCoy (now Fort McCoy) in Wisconsin, and later to Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Camp Stoneman, California; and finally across the globe to Australia. There, she joined a legion of Army nurses tending to troops from the Pacific Theater, becoming one of the first female nurses to ever administer anesthesia to a wounded soldier. In total, Irene served more than two years overseas and earned the rank of First Lieutenant before separating from the service in 1946. But it was back at Camp McCoy that Irene's life changed forever, when she met a young G.I. named Louis W. A. Hosking from Michigan. They married, and at the war's end made their home in Owosso, where together they would raise one son, one grandson, and two great grandchildren. For many years, Irene served as superintendent of nurses at the Shiawassee County Hospital on Lyons Road, which later moved to Norton Street and was known as the Pleasant View facility. When Hosking came home and tried to join the VFW in 1946, she was told that women were not allowed. It took nearly four decades, but she persisted and finally became a member in 1984. But Irene was born to lead, and in 1995, the woman who was once forbidden to join became the first female commander at the Shiawassee County Council VFW Post No. 4005. She served as chaplain of the organization until 2022, when it should be noted she was 104 years old. Irene Hosking represents the best of this Nation: selfless service, fearlessness in the face of obstacles, and a relentless dedication to her calling. With gratitude to the U.S. Army, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, and to all who have shared Irene's story over her long and fruitful life, today I join in tribute and reflect the appreciation and admiration of a grateful Nation.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor and in celebration of the 100th birthday of Mr. George T. Milekovich, Sr., a man who has used his life in service to his country, his community, and his family. While we would love to claim him as a native Michigander, George was born in Campbell, Ohio, on April 8, 1923. As a young man who came of age as World War II raged, he made the decision to enlist in the United States Navy on May 26, 1943. George was stationed for boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center before he reported to the USS West Virginia in August of that same year and headed to the Pacific theater. George took great pride in his role as a Shipfitter 2nd Class in the R Division onboard the West Virginia, which the crew affectionately referred to as ``The Mighty Wee Vee''. George and his shipmates took part in operations to capture Mindoro, Lingayen Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. On April 1, 1945, while off the coast of Okinawa, the West Virginia was hit by a Japanese Kamikaze plane but was able to remain in action. It's a night forever seared into George's memory. So too is the much more pleasant memory of the camaraderie he experienced when he and his shipmates crossed the equator, transforming them from slimy ``Pollywogs'' to trusty ``Shellbacks'' in the Navy's famous ``Crossing the Line: ceremony. Upon his return home, George was honorably discharged from Active Duty on February 6, 1946, but he continued to serve in the United States Naval Reserve for many years to come. Milekovich settled in Lansing, Michigan, where he married his late wife, Lureta, on February 14, 1947. Together, he and Lureta had four sons: James, Anton, Edmund and George Jr.; and had the pleasure of spoiling another generation of grandchildren. George retired on June 1, 1985, from Michigan State University, where he served as an operating engineer for 26 years at the University Power Plant. The selflessness of veterans like George Milekovich, Sr., who answered our Nation's call to serve during World War II, defines the true character of our greatest generation. It is my privilege to wish him a happy 100th birthday, and to thank him for his inspiring service in the United States Navy and his lifelong dedication to his community and his family.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a full century since the construction of a legendary landmark on the banks of the Shiawassee River in Michigan's 7th Congressional district, which today is known as Curwood Castle. It was March 14, 1923 when the great American author James Oliver Curwood broke ground on an impressive structure to serve as his writing studio. While Owosso, Michigan may not be the first place you'd expect to find a replica of a French chateau, I am so thankful Mr. Curwood felt most inspired by his beloved boyhood home and chose to build his beautiful treasure there. At the time, Curwood was one of the most popular authors in the world, having just published his 24th novel, with dozens of Hollywood movies based on his stories. His best-selling adventure and wilderness stories were largely molded by his travels in Canada, the Hudson Bay area, the Yukon, and Alaska. But after a tour of Europe the author came home, inspired to write a different tale by building a castle similar to the ones he'd seen in the French countryside. As a father of three children, Curwood longed for a quiet place where he could write and host guests. His mother sold him the piece of land next to his childhood home for one dollar, and with the help of Lansing architect Harold Child, Curwood designed a glistening yellow Norman- style chateau and adorned the facade of the building with rocks as a tribute to the piles of rocks he and his brother had made as children. Unfortunately, Curwood died just four years after his masterpiece was completed, but the building lives on as a testament to his creativity and love of adventure. In addition to his prolific writing career, Curwood was a passionate environmentalist and served on the Michigan Conservation Commission. It's not surprising then that he wished for this beautiful building to have new life after his passing, and that he bestowed the castle to the city of Owosso in his will. Over the years, the castle served as a youth center and even housed the Owosso Public Schools Board of Education, but since 1970 it has been open to the public as a museum highlighting the career and legacy of James Oliver Curwood. Every year in early June, this beautiful castle serves as the center of Owosso's Curwood Festival, drawing thousands of visitors to this small community in mid-Michigan to celebrate the life and works of its cherished son, in the place he created. In it's 100 year history, Curwood Castle has been many things: a writer's retreat; a Hollywood office; and the site of fabulous parties. Today it stands as a singular architectural treasure, the legacy of a remarkable life and a reminder of glorious days gone by. It has been inscribed in the National Register of Historic Places, and only fitting that I recognize its significance here today. Long may this Michigan castle stand.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a man who should have been hailed as a hero, but for too long his story was lost in history. Alexander Johnson was a Black Civil War Veteran who lived and worked in Owosso in the late 1800s, and when a group of white residents chased most Black folks out of town, Johnson and two other Black men refused to go. Born in Tennessee in 1833, Johnson fled slavery and made his way to Michigan before enlisting in a Union regiment of African Americans in Kalamazoo to fight in the Civil War, then moving to Canada at the war's end, and later returning to Michigan to settle in Owosso with his wife. No one knows for sure why he chose Owosso. Some historians believe Johnson's wife may have had family nearby. Others surmise he might have had connections to a home in Owosso rumored to be part of the Underground Railroad, and still others say that at the time, the growing community was a place where people of all races moved to explore economic opportunity. Whatever the reason, Owosso is where Alexander Johnson chose to put down roots, opening up a downtown barbershop and was, by all accounts, a well-liked businessman and respected member of the community. Unfortunately, the good times did not last long, as racial tensions grew and the Ku Klux Klan became active in the county. The tensions culminated in 1871 when 40 white vigilantes gathered together and attempted to drive all the Black residents out of town. There is little we know about this dark moment in Owosso's history, but we do know that Alexander Johnson was a light that would not be extinguished. Johnson stayed in Owosso, along with two other Black men, until he died. In 1907 Johnson received a military burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Owosso, and his story was buried with him for more than 100 years. There are those who seek to ignore or even wipe away the more painful pieces of our history, and there are those who understand that we cannot ever be great without acknowledging our failures, learning from our mistakes, and moving forward with a commitment to grow. The Owosso Rotary Club falls into the latter category, as they were the ones not just to uncover Johnson's story, but to acknowledge it and honor it as a piece of Owosso's history. Alexander Johnson was formally recognized by the Owosso Rotary on Veterans Day 2021 with a solemn ceremony at his gravesite. It is only fitting that I, too, join in paying tribute to this brave man whose convictions led him first out of slavery, then to fight for a country he believed in, to establish the life he wanted, and to stay in the community that he loved. May his memory be a blessing and an inspiration to us all.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to communicate to you the profound influence and legacy of a man who was the ultimate communicator. Larry Carter dedicated his life to informing and uplifting Lansing, Michigan's Black community, first through the radio, and later through a newspaper he founded with his wife, Carolyn, that continues in publication today under his daughter's hand. Carter, also known as Jay Price, was born in Mississippi but grew up in the Midwest, graduating from John Marshall High School in Chicago in 1967. He met his future wife, Carolyn Hill, at the age of 12, and married her shortly after graduating from Columbia College with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Together they raised three children: Anastacio; William; and Yanice. Larry spent the early years of his career in positions spanning several media markets across the Midwest and Southern regions. In 1984, an industry colleague convinced him to move to Lansing, Michigan, where he accepted a position in local radio. There, he quickly talked the station owner into changing the format to adult contemporary, with Larry as the morning host. He was an instant on-air success, and also worked behind the scenes as sales manager to produce commercials. Despite the success he achieved in radio, Carter was itching to explore other avenues. In 1986, he launched a print publication initially called ``The Capital Chronicle'' and later renamed ``The Chronicle News.'' The focus was simple: fill the void Larry saw in local news coverage by spotlighting and enhancing awareness of issues in the Black community. It was a family affair from the start: Larry handled advertising sales; Carolyn learned how to design and layout the stories; and the kids enlisted their friends to deliver the paper door- to-door. Today, Larry and Carolyn have both passed on but their legacy remains. The Chronicle Newspaper is published twice monthly, by their daughter Yanice. The free publication is distributed throughout Mid- Michigan and can be found in municipal buildings, schools, local businesses, churches, and community centers. They also leave behind the legacy of family, including their three children, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Larry was devoted to lifting up the stories of his community, and today, it is my great honor to lift up his story, with profound gratitude for his devotion to creating a platform for the Black community to be seen, heard, and understood.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a legend of R&B sound who hails not from a musical capital like Detroit, Chicago, or New York, but from a small town in Michigan's 7th district: South Lyon. Barbara Lewis was born into a powerful legacy, as the great- granddaughter of Civil War veteran, John W. Lewis. She was also born with a musical heritage, as her bandleader father played trumpet, her mother and uncle played saxophone, and her aunt was a music teacher. Surrounded by this symphony of sound, it's no surprise that Barbara began playing piano, guitar, and harmonica at an early age, writing songs at age nine, and singing lead vocals at family jam sessions in her teens. While Barbara told her friends and family she had no intention of pursuing music as a career, a meeting with Ollie McLaughlin, an Ann Arbor DJ-turned-producer and manager changed all that, and changed the course of her life. Impressed by her talent and her original songs, McLaughlin signed Barbara on the spot. In 1962, she recorded her first two singles. One of them, a peppy, upbeat piece called ``My Heart Went Do Oat Da'' was, according to Barbara, written on her upright piano while she was babysitting one night while still attending South Lyon High School. Lewis holds the distinction of being the first Michigan artist to record for Atlantic Records, and in the span of her career, she went on to record three Top Ten R&B hits for McLaughlin's record label, including the number one smash, ``Hello Stranger.'' She also had 10 songs on Billboard's Hot 100 during the 1960s, ranking her second to only Aretha Franklin in terms of chart success for female solo artists from the state of Michigan. Barbara recorded songs at the legendary Motown studios in Detroit and performed with some of the greatest R&B artists of her time. Many of her songs have been remade and remastered and live on today, including by Queen Latifah, with others featured on hit movie soundtracks including ``The Bridges of Madison County.'' Barbara returned to Michigan in 1971, following stints in New York and Chicago, and lived many years in her home state before relocating to Florida. She received the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1999, and in 2016, Barbara Lewis was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame. While health issues forced her to retire from singing in 2017, I ask that her legendary sound and contributions to the arts be forever recorded in our hearts.

Ms. SLOTKIN

Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of an extraordinary educator who shaped the lives of thousands of mid-Michigan students during her groundbreaking career. Carrie Owens grew up in Florida during the time of segregation and high racial tensions, and she knew from an early age she wanted to work toward dismantling the systems she saw all around her. Though her parents had no formal education, they pushed their kids to have what they had not, and a young Carrie thrived in school. She eventually became a teacher and was hired by Okemos Public Schools in 1964, becoming the first Black teacher in the district. It's said that when Mrs. Owens first interviewed for a job at Cornell Elementary School in Okemos, she vowed to help each student individually, because she recognized what many even in education circles did not yet grasp--that all students learn at different paces and in different ways. Just as she thrived in school, Owens did everything to ensure her students did the same, and she was put in charge of a transitional class of elementary students, who up until that point had had limited success in school. Owens made sure each of her students progressed to grade level, and empowered them to understand how they learned. Word of her tireless dedication to student success and her innovative teaching philosophy spread quickly, and many families moved to Okemos just so their children could be in her class. By the time she retired from teaching in 2001, she had touched thousands of young lives and helped change the face of education in the community. Not only did her hiring pave the way for other teachers of color, by the end of career Okemos had its first Black superintendent, and the district was overall a more diverse, inclusive community. As we mark Black History Month, I salute Carrie Owens, who is Black history in Okemos. This trailblazing teacher has left her mark on the hearts and minds of the entire community, and we are so much better for her service. May her lessons live on in all the students she touched, and in all the lives she changed.