Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, the Dragon Pit Masters of Carroll ISD. The Dragon Pit Masters have earned the title of Grand Champion at the Texas High School BBQ State Championship, showcasing exceptional skill, teamwork, and dedication. Competing

against top student teams from across the state, these talented students demonstrated mastery in grilling, presentation, and time management to take home the highest honor.

Through countless hours of preparation, the Dragon Pit Masters have built a program that emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and excellence both inside and outside the competition. Representing the Southlake community with pride, these students continue to set a high standard and inspire others through their achievements.

Congratulations to Carroll's Grand Champion Team, Preston Inouye-- 12th Grade, Darien Kawai--11th Grade, Caden Roberson--12th Grade, Cruz Paredes--10th Grade, and Ryan Vu--12th Grade.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, the North Texas Patriot Guard Riders. They are a dedicated volunteer organization that honors the service and sacrifice of America's military members, veterans, and first responders. At the invitation of families, the group attends funeral services for fallen heroes across North Texas, participating in an average of 35 missions each month. Their members come from all backgrounds, some are veterans themselves, and while many ride motorcycles, others drive cars or trucks. What unites them is a shared commitment to showing respect for those who served our country and communities.

The Flag Line is their most revered symbol, embodying the Patriot Guard Riders' values of honor, appreciation, and respect. When asked, they display American flags outside funeral homes and at burial sites to pay tribute to these heroes. The North Texas Patriot Guard Riders provide these services at no cost, exemplifying the spirit of service, patriotism, and community that represents the very best of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, C.J. Alexander as the new Fire Chief of the Addison Fire Department, stepping into the role after seven years with the department after serving as the Assistant Chief. With over 24 years of experience in fire and emergency medical services, Chief Alexander brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the department. Before joining Addison, he held leadership roles in Farmers Branch and Allen and spent more than a decade teaching fire and EMS courses at Collin College. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to protecting our North Texas communities.

Surrounded by colleagues, friends, and community members at his sweating-in ceremony, the strong turnout reflected the respect and trust he has earned throughout his time serving Addison. He is known for his commitment to public service and for preparing teams to respond when it matters most.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, the Jesuit Dallas Rangers lacrosse team, as earlier this year they won the 2026 Texas High School Lacrosse League Class AA State Championships.

Fueled by championship grit, and a never-quit mentality, the Rangers battled through adversity and upset higher-seeded opponents on their way to bringing home the state title. Senior goalie, Gabriel James, was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player after making 11 saves against the Highlanders, and Senior David Atwell earned the Offensive MVP and Senior Jack Steinbach was the Championship MVP.

Congratulations to Coach Chris Surran, the players, coaches, and families on securing the program's fifth state championship and continuing a tradition of excellence both on and off the field.

Mr. Speaker, I use to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Dr. Chandramallika Basak, a neuroscience professor and researcher at University of Texas at Dallas who's on a mission to protect seniors' memories.

Dr. Basak studies how cognitive and physical training, from targeted exercises to meditation, can slow cognitive decline in older adults. She's best known for pioneering the use of video games as brain training for seniors experiencing mild cognitive aging.

Her research sparked a startup, Neuroflight Inc., founded with support from UT Dallas' Big Idea Competition and the Darrell K. Royal Alzheimer's Research Fund. The company's patented brain training game helps boost memory, focus, and cognitive vitality--and is already partnering with local assisted living facilities like Belmont Village.

In 2026, Dr. Basak was named University Innovator of the Year at the Texas Innovation Conference. She is now working on a consumer app to bring Neuroflight's brain training to everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, the Keller Indians baseball team as the Texas High School State Champions for the first time in program history.

On June 6, they secured the Class 6A Division 1 title with a 2-1 victory over Austin Lake Travis. Led by Championship MVP Cole Koeninger, a Tennessee signee and MLB draft prospect, Keller completed an incredible season with a 40-4-2 overall record.

The title concludes Head Coach Rob Stramp's remarkable 28-year career and serves as a testament to the dedication and leadership he brought to Keller Baseball. Congratulations to the Keller High School Indians on this historic achievement, which reflects the talent, hard work, and commitment of the entire program.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Chief David Jones, whose career reflected a profound dedication to public safety, with 31 years in the fire service, including 28 serving the Town of Addison.

Chief Jones started at the Addison Fire Department in 1998 as a firefighter and licensed paramedic before being promoted to various roles. As Chief, he oversaw 59 employees in the department and managed operations, fire prevention, training, and compliance. Jones was recognized with a Chief Fire Officer designation and holds a four-time Chief Training Officer redesignation, reflecting his excellence in leadership. His guidance and impact will shape the Addison Fire Department for years to come.

I thank Chief Jones for his service in the Addison Fire Department and for helping to keep North Texas safe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Bedford resident and World War II veteran, Vito Defino. Vito was drafted for World War II only one month after graduating high school. When given the choice between the Army Air Corps or Navy, he chose to fly, serving at various bases across the country as a right wing gunner on the B-29 Superfortress.

Throughout his time, Vito was promoted to Corporal and then Sergeant in only 14 months. During WWII, he met Mary, his future wife, who was working in military intelligence, and they were both honorably discharged on the same day.

Following WWII, Vito earned his degree in education, while working evenings at General Electric. Throughout his career, Vito poured into the students with various roles as a math teacher, physical education coach, and later a vice principal for 30 years.

Vito is currently 100 years old and lives in Texas with his daughter, Dee, and her family. I thank Vito Defino for his service to our Nation and for being an inspiration to those around him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Dallas native, Nina Castro. A 25-year veteran Southwest Airlines flight attendant who went above and beyond when answering the call of duty. On a standard flight from Omaha to Phoenix, Castro met 77-year old passenger, Patrick McGee, who called her ``an angel''. Later in the flight, McGee would suffer a medical emergency.

I thank Ms. Castro and her fellow flight attendant's swift action, as they were able to save Mr. McGee when he suffered a heart attack. Ms. Castro described that everybody was in the right place, at the right time.

She has since been able to connect with Mr. McGee, who, again, called her an angel, and they are looking forward to an in-person reunion. I thank Ms. Castro for showcasing the very best of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Arbor Creek Elementary School teacher, Anquinette Hill. Mrs. Hill was recently named Region 11 Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Hill has dedicated over 16 years to teaching, pouring into students and staff alike. She is known for always having a smile, and going above and beyond to provide new STEAM-based projects and opportunities to students.

Nominees submitted a professional portfolio that included a resume, professional biography, and essays describing their instructional philosophy, contributions to school culture, community engagement, leadership experiences, and vision for the teaching profession. This award puts Mrs. Hill in the running for the State of Texas Teacher of the Year, which will be announced within the coming weeks.

I congratulate Mrs. Hill on her recognition and for serving students across North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero. Detective Scott Hodgins, who recently retired from years of dedicated service to the Irving Police Department.

Detective Hodgins began as a Patrol Officer before transitioning to a Detective in the Crimes Against Children Unit. In that role, he helped protect the most vulnerable members of society and help bring victims to justice. During his time, he earned a Certificate of Merit Bar, and hosted a podcast called ``The Case Reopened'', where he examined cold cases with a detective's insight.

I thank Detective Hodgins for his service to the Irving Police Department and helping keep North Texas safe.

Mr. Speaker. I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Clayton and Ellen Kershaw, who have been named the 2026 University Park Citizens of the Year in recognition of their commitment to serving others and making a lasting impact on their community and beyond.

This award honors University Park residents who enhance the city's quality of life, often through service, generosity, and leadership. Since the launch of Kershaw's Challenge in 2011, the Kershaw's have supported vulnerable and at-risk children in Dallas, Los Angeles, Zambia, and the Dominican Republic by providing hope, resources, and opportunities for a brighter future. Through Kershaw's Challenge, the couple has used their platform to empower communities and create opportunities for children and families in need.

Clayton, a graduate of Highland Park High School and a former pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has also been recognized for his humanitarian efforts with the Roberto Clemente Award. Together, Clayton and Ellen continue to inspire others through their dedication to creating meaningful change.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Southlake Police Department Corporal Joshua Swisher. He was recently honored with the Meritorious Conduct Award, the department's second-highest honor, recognizing his exceptional courage and lifesaving actions in the line of duty.

Corporal Swisher was recognized for his response to a vehicle fire on State Highway 114, where he helped rescue a driver trapped inside a burning vehicle. After the car caught fire, Corporal Swisher acted quickly, breaking the window and pulling the driver to safety before the car became fully engulfed in flames.

His bravery and commitment to protecting others reflect the dedication and service our first responders provide to our communities every day. I thank Corporal Joshua Swisher for his courage and service to North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Fort Worth Christian's Grady Emerson, who was the second overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, selected by the Tampa Bay Rays. During an impressive senior season, he was named Gatorade National Player of the Year and Baseball America's High School Player of the Year, leading Fort Worth Christian to the TAPPS Division II state championship game. He became the fourth Dallas-Fort Worth area high school player selected in the top 10 of the MLB Draft this century. Additionally, he became the second high school player in the history of USA Baseball's Golden Spikes Award to be named a semifinalist, joining MLB superstar Bobby Witt, Jr.

Grady Emerson also made history as the first player to compete on multiple USA Baseball 15U and 18U National Teams, earning three gold medals. Recognized for his exceptional hitting, athleticism, and overall skill, he is regarded as one of the top high school prospects in recent years

I congratulate Grady. North Texas is cheering him on in his next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Dr. Neal Odle, as for more than 50 years, he has built a legacy of education, leadership, and service in North Texas. He was recently honored with Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District's Walk of Honor, recognizing individuals whose lasting contributions have shaped the community.

After graduating from the University of North Texas, where he earned his bachelor's, master's, and later a Doctor of Education degree, Dr. Odle began his career in 1971 as a fifth-grade teacher at Colleyville Elementary School before later serving as the school's principal. In 1986, he opened O.C. Taylor Elementary School, where he served until his retirement, helping lead Grapevine-Colleyville ISD to its first Elementary National Blue Ribbon School designation awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Throughout his career, Dr. Odle was named Teacher of the Year and received numerous honors, including the National Association of Elementary Principals Award for excellence in education and the Jim Thompson Award for exemplary achievement in education.

Even in retirement, Dr. Odle has remained committed to serving his community. Through the Grapevine Volunteers in Police Service program, he has dedicated more than 499 hours, earning the President's Volunteer Silver Service Award. He also serves as an elder and community group leader at Compass Christian Church and enjoys building sets for musicals and for mission outreach programs, both locally and in Mexico.

Through decades of leadership, service, and dedication to students, Dr. Odle has made an impact on the Grapevine and Colleyville communities. I congratulate Dr. Odle on the GCISD Walk of Honor.