David Taylor

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the undefeated wrestling record of Ms. Makennah Craft of Jackson High School. Makennah claimed her fourth and final State title on March 8 in the 2025 State Wrestling Tournament, securing her win by more than 15 points over her opponent. Makennah has distinguished herself as only the fifth female wrestler to ever accomplish this feat in Ohio high school wrestling history. Jumping into the sport at just 4 years old, Makennah's passion for wrestling grew over the years. She learned to persevere and overcome any roadblocks or plateaus she hit during training. Makennah has said that wrestling made her a tougher person, realizing that the harder she pushed herself, the more she grew. Having worked with Makennah since middle school, Coach Brandon Oliver views her as a shining role model for their school's wrestling program. He commends her on maintaining a 4.0 grade point average on top of completing multiple workouts every day. Southern Ohio looks forward to seeing how Makennah's winning mindset will continue to serve her as she completes her senior year of high school and goes on to tackle new challenges. I congratulate Makennah on her fourth State title. I wish her the best in her very bright future. Congratulating Portsmouth High School Girls' Basketball Team on Ohio Division V State Title

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Portsmouth High School girls' basketball team on winning their school's first-ever Ohio Division V basketball State championship. Having dreamt of securing this title since they were in the fifth grade, the nine athletes on Portsmouth's team navigated their season with consistency, discipline, and a clear vision. In the championship game, junior Sienna Allen led all players with 17 points, contributing to Portsmouth's victory by a score of 53-38 over Creston Norwayne. With this win, the Trojans became the first Scioto County program to ever secure the girls' basketball State championship trophy. Head coach Amy Hughes led the team throughout the season, investing in each player as they honed their teamwork and athletic skills. These players' hard work and commitment to excellence is a shining example to students across Ohio that achieving your dreams is possible if you put in the hard work and never stop improving. I am pleased to recognize each hardworking player, supportive parent, and committed coach who helped make this victory possible. I congratulate Portsmouth High School as they celebrate this historic achievement. As always, Go Trojans.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ironton Fighting Tigers for winning their first football State championship in 35 years. With an incredibly strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence, the Ironton High School football team spent all season training and working together with one goal in mind: the State title. In the championship game, senior Shaun Terry led his team to victory with 300 all-purpose yards, including 148 receiving yards and three touchdowns. This championship win is evidence of a season full of hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Since the school's last title in 1989, the Ironton Fighting Tigers have appeared in six State title games in pursuit of a win, which made bringing home this year's trophy even sweeter. Head Coach Trevon Pendleton and his staff poured their knowledge and experience into eager players all season long, guiding them and pushing them toward excellence on and off the field. I also recognize each parent who supported their players and encouraged them to work hard. I congratulate each player for their hard-earned victory and new State title. Congratulations. Go Fighting Tigers.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Larry Gerstner, an outstanding businessman who was well loved by his community and spent his life in service to it. Larry was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up on a small farm in Hilliard. Earning a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Cincinnati, Larry joined the Peace Corps in 1971 and spent 3 years in Tonga constructing the main island's road and country's first jet field. Upon returning to the States, Larry was elected Hocking County Engineer in 1976 and later served as a board member for the Hocking Hills Tourism Association. Larry created numerous businesses that grew Hocking County's tourism industry, most known for the Columbus Washboard Company, the very last maker of washboards in the United States. One of his incredible washboards is displayed in my office for Ohioans to enjoy, similar to this one that I hold in my hand today. After an 18-year fight with cancer, with his devoted wife, Joyce, by his side, Larry passed away in February of 2025. Larry will be dearly missed in Hocking County and across Ohio, but the legacy of his life of service will continue.