Charlie Crist

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and extend my congratulations to Lambda Theta Phi on their 2022 National Convention, and I commend them on their decision to host this year's convention in the city of Tampa, which is just across the Bay from my home district of Pinellas County in the great state of Florida.

Since its founding in 1975, Lambda Theta Phi has undertaken many laudable initiatives, such as fundraising for victims of natural disasters and helping those struggling with homelessness get back on their feet. In doing so, they have demonstrated their enduring commitment to the lofty ideals laid out by the Fraternal Fathers, Dr. Cayetano Socarras and Dr. Jose Quiles, including academic excellence, service, leadership, and Latino unity.

As a lifelong Florida resident, former Governor, and proud Representative of Florida's 13th Congressional District, I have seen the power of these ideals in action. From their close partnership with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, to the dozens of Lambda Theta Phi brothers in Washington, Tallahassee, and across Florida working tirelessly for a better future, Lambda Theta Phi brothers truly represent the best of our communities.

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate this historic organization on their continued national engagement through this convention, and extend my best wishes to them in all their future endeavors. Finally, I echo the chant that has united Latino brothers in fraternity and a shared mission for almost 50 years--Lambda Theta Phi, Lambda 'till the day we die.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous accomplishments of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County.

For 75 years, this organization has dedicated itself to the betterment of Pinellas County's future, which lies in the hands of our community's children.

The Juvenile Welfare Board works with our county's children from an early age to ensure that both they, and their parents, caregivers, and family members receive a solid foundation on which to build their education. The Board's School Readiness program prepares children for their critical kindergarten education, which is crucial for their future success in the classroom. The JWB supports our county's youth throughout their education, with the programs they fund driving them to meet not only important developmental milestones but promoting behaviors and attitudes necessary for learning and engagement.

Beyond the classroom, the JWB works tirelessly to strengthen the communities from which our future leaders grow. Focusing on the mental health of our children is one of the Board's primary goals, making sure any type of mental illness is diagnosed and treated before it becomes an impediment for their future success. They also work to stop preventable deaths within the county, combating unsafe sleep practices for infants, child drowning, and head trauma, so that no family must deal with the tremendous loss of a child.

The JWB's mission also includes providing relief for the families of Pinellas County when they need it. From rental and food assistance, eviction prevention services, and helping with affordable childcare, the JWB ensures that any family that needs a helping hand is given one.

The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County is a powerful example of the power we can have on our communities if we simply dare to try. Their efforts deserve veneration in this Congress, not only in appreciation of their efforts, but as an example of the power of community.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the students, teachers, and alumni of my home district's own Pinellas Park High School for winning the 2021 Congressional App Challenge for Florida's 13th Congressional District. This will be Pinellas Park High School's third winning submission to the Congressional App Challenge in only five years--the most for any school in Florida's 13th District.

Since our first Congressional App Challenge in 2017, the students of the Pinellas Park High School STEM Club have submitted highly original and technically sophisticated apps addressing the needs of the culturally-diverse communities I'm honored to represent. Helmed by their dedicated STEM teacher, Lafrance ``Joe'' Clark, this club has proven time and again the power of hands-on STEM instruction, collaboration, and teamwork.

Over the past five years, the winning teams of Pinellas Park High School have created apps that address a host of issues facing our community. From large challenges like those confronting Pinellas Veterans transitioning to civilian life, to smaller but still important ones like the lack of accessible information on teen skincare, these students have used technology to tackle the tough problems they see in the world around them. This year's winning submission, Healthy Minds, is no exception--providing a platform for teens experiencing mental health challenges to access health providers, resources, and expert information.

As the Representative for Florida's 13th Congressional District, I want to congratulate our 2021 Congressional App Challenge winners-- Trudy Kwok, Jenna Nguyen, Gabriel Moreno, and Rashonda Fayson. Under the leadership of the excellent Mr. Joe Clark, they are doing their STEM club, school, and community proud.