Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Ohio National Guard Company B, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment from Green as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Hurricane Helene caused serious flooding and damage across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia, which left roads underwater, basements flooded, wires down, people trapped in their cars in flooded areas, and people stranded in their homes.

Ohio National Guard Company B, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment answered the call to assist. These brave men and women navigated through flooded North Carolina streets to assist people stranded in their homes and cars.

Ohio's 13th Congressional District is made up of champions who work hard and don't hesitate to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need. The unwavering and selfless work of these service members in the wake of Hurricane Helene is a shining example of why our district is known as the ``Birthplace of Champions.''

I thank the members of the Ohio National Guard Company B, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment for their collaboration, bravery, and service in the aftermath of this hurricane, and for dedicating their lives each and every day to protect our community and country.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise today to recognize the students, staff, and teachers of Tuslaw Middle School as Ohio's

13th Congressional District Champions of the Week.

Tuslaw Middle School in Massillon was recently named as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, the only school in Stark County to receive this distinction.

Tuslaw Middle School is also one of just 356 schools across the country recognized for their outstanding academic achievements.

It's clear the success of our young people depends on dedicated leaders who recognize their potential and support their educational journey, and Tuslaw is a stellar example of this.

But this was not an achievement that could be accomplished alone--the students, staff, and teachers of Tuslaw Middle School all played a role in earning this national recognition.

So congratulations again to everyone at Tuslaw Middle School on this incredible national honor, and I look forward to seeing how they continue this success in the classroom.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the longtime North Canton Hoover High School softball coach, Jerry Goodpasture.

After a long and successful tenure at the helm of the Hoover Vikings, Coach Goodpasture announced his retirement last week.

Starting as the team's pitching coach over two decades ago, Coach Goodpasture helped Hoover win its first two State titles in 1998 and 1999 before taking over as head coach in 2005. He then led Hoover to not one, not two, not three, four, or five, but six Division 1 State championships, including four State championships from 2011 to 2014.

Coach Goodpasture's coaching prowess cemented the Vikings as a softball powerhouse, and as a result of his success, he is a three-time Hall of Famer. He has been inducted into the Hoover High School Athletic Hall of Fame, the Ohio Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame, and the Ohio High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Coach Goodpasture will be remembered not only for his impact on the young athletes he coached on the softball field but also for the students he taught in the classroom for 30 years.

As one of Stark County's most successful high school coaches of all time, Coach Goodpasture's legacy will forever live on in the Goodpasture Stadium, the Hoover High School softball field named in his honor.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Jerry Goodpasture on his incredible coaching and teaching career. I know the entire Hoover community is grateful for his years of dedication, and he will be greatly missed this upcoming softball season. I wish him the best of luck in his new chapter, and I thank him for making Ohio's 13th District the Birthplace of Champions.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Detective Matthew King of the North Canton Police Department as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Detective King was recognized by his peers as the Police Officer of the year for the North Canton Police Department. King has been a police officer since 2018, and has been with the North Canton Police Department since 2019.

In 2021, Officer King was promoted to Detective King when he graduated as the Valedictorian of his Drug Recognition Expert Class, earning a 99.14 percent grade point average.

He is also a member of the Stark County Metro Narcotics Unit and the OVI Task Force.

This honor is not Detective King's first award. In 2021, he was awarded the Stark County Traffic Office of the Year. Detective King has been a model police officer for many years.

Once again, I'd like to congratulate Detective Matthew King on this distinction, and thank him for his tireless public service to North Canton. He is a perfect example of why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is known as the ``Birthplace of Champions.''

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise today to recognize The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

On August 7th, on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the Bluecoats nearly achieved a perfect routine, scoring a 98.75 out of 100 to win the second world championship in their corps' history. This current win comes on the heels of them holding second place in the championships in 2022 and 2023.

The Drum Corps International World Championships was the grand finale for the Bluecoats' busy summer. The championship was the last show after a string of 17 competitive shows and 21 performances on its 8,000-mile national tour.

The Bluecoats are a perfect example of why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is known as the ``Birthplace of Champions.''

Once again, I'd like to congratulate the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps for bringing this World Championship home. We are so proud of your hard work and incredible talent.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible women of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Great Lakes Region.

This Saturday, the Great Lakes Region will celebrate its centennial anniversary. For 100 years, our region has risen to the call to serve all mankind in our communities across five States; Michigan, Ohio, western New York, western Pennsylvania, and western Virginia with 97 graduate and undergraduate chapters, all united in a common cause to serve our communities and to serve all mankind.

The Great Lakes Region is home to over 7,000 accomplished, intelligent, dedicated, and service-oriented members, including the members of my own chapter, Zeta Theta Omega.

I am honored to recognize the work this region has done and continues to do for the people of the Great Lakes Region each and every day, united in our sisterhood's mission.

We represent a variety of occupations and disciplines, but we come together because we are truly greater together.

We always dedicate our work to the things that are worthwhile, and we always do it with a smile. Together, we are making a real difference in our communities, and I am so proud to be a part of this powerful sisterhood.

Finally, I specifically recognize Gwendolyn Kirtley, the Great Lakes regional director, for her leadership, and the many regional directors of the past who have made the great Great Lakes Region soar and thrive.

We are thankful for their commitment to our sisterhood and to their service as we celebrate our last 100 years and prepare for 100 more.

Once again, congratulations to all of the members of the great Great Lakes Region as we celebrate our centennial.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and mourn the loss of Reverend Dr. Bob Denton, a true advocate and champion for the most vulnerable in Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

Throughout his life, Reverend Denton held many titles. He was an ordained minister, police academy graduate, police chaplain, Ph.D. sociologist, adjunct professor at the University of Akron, and, what he is best known for, the founder of the Victim Assistance Program in Akron.

For over 40 years, Reverend Denton served the program he founded as the executive director, a program that was the first victim assistance agency in Ohio and a pioneer in the national victim assistance advocacy movement, which led to the changes in State and Federal laws to help victims across this country. His leadership in this space was deeply respected across our Nation, as Reverend Denton served as the first president of the National Organization for Victim Assistance.

Without a doubt, Reverend Denton left a mark on Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the State of Ohio, and this country.

Though his presence will be missed, his memory will live on through those he advocated for and the family and friends he so deeply loved. Thus, with deepest sympathy, I pay tribute to a truly phenomenal individual, Reverend Dr. Bob Denton.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Danee Pinckney, an English teacher at Twinsburg High School, as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Danee was recognized by the State Board of Education as Ohio Teacher of the Year for various accomplishments in the classroom, such as the creation of an advanced course on African-American literature and addressing a need for representation sought by both students and community members. Using literature as the anchor, Danee also works to encourage students' engagement in community service and activism projects.

However, it comes as no surprise that this honor is not Danee's first award. In 2023, she was named the Twinsburg City Schools Teacher of the Year and was a Martha Holden Jennings Foundation finalist for master teacher.

Danee represents the very best of what every educator should aspire to be, as she has a true passion for bettering our entire community through her work and the lessons she teaches her students.

I am grateful for Danee's tireless dedication to Twinsburg's students. She is a perfect example of why Ohio's 13th District is known as the birthplace of champions.

Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize Sierjie Lash as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Lash is a trailblazing Akron firefighter, who has recently been promoted to district chief. Lash will be the first woman in the near 200-year history of the Akron Fire Department to hold this position.

In her 21-year career with the department, she is not a stranger to firsts. In 2022, she was promoted to captain, becoming the first woman to hold that rank in the department.

Lash's ascent to district chief position is a testament to over two decades of unwavering dedication to excellence, personal growth, and leadership development.

At fist, Lash was hesitant to join the Akron Fire Department. However, her peers continued to encourage her to apply. Lash joined the department with the expectation that she would focus on being the best paramedic she could be.

To her surprise, she learned that Akron Fire Department employees are expected to be trained as both a paramedic and a firefighter. Lash went through the fire academy as the only woman in her class. Throughout the next few years, she fell in love with the job.

As Lash has risen through the ranks, she has seen the number of female firefighters grow from just 6 women to 32. Her career and new title as district chief unequivocally demonstrates that firefighting is a profession for women as much as it is for men.

Lash acts as a mentor and advocate for women in the department. She encourages other women to seek out leadership training and run for leadership positions.

Lash's historic career and unwavering commitment to excellence exemplify the very spirit that makes OH 13 the Birthplace of Champions.

I thank District Chief Sierjie Lash, for her dedication to her field and the amazing work she does. We are so proud of her.

Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize Lorna Kearney of Akron as Ohio 13's Champion of the Week.

Lorna recently made history at 66 years old when she became the oldest player to play in the American Women's Football League for her team, the Detroit Prowl.

Lorna has always had a love for sports, and her passion for football led to her interest in joining the American Women's Football League.

Unfortunately, the year she was supposed to start playing, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

However, Lorna fought hard and won her battle with cancer, and this year, she played her first game.

Lorna's dedication is an inspiration, not just to her family and teammates, but to everyone in our community.

Lorna's dedication to tackle adversity on and off the field is a shining example of the spirit that makes Ohio's 13th Congressional District the Birthplace of Champions.

I congratulate Lorna Kearney, for making history and demonstrating it's never too late to do the things you love.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Chris Poa of Hudson as Ohio 13's Champion of the Week.

Chris has been a Hudson U.S. Postal worker for 29 years, and recently, his awareness and quick-thinking helped save the life of an elderly woman.

Chris was on his delivery route when he noticed one of the residents he delivers to, a 91-year-old woman, had not picked up her mail in a few days.

Chris often chatted with the resident, and his concern prompted him to call in a wellness check for her.

When EMS arrived, they found that the older woman had fallen in her home and was unable to get up.

Thanks to Chris's attentiveness, EMS was able to take the woman to the hospital for treatment.

Chris was awarded the Hudson EMS Life Saving Award for his actions.

And his selflessness and compassion is a shining example of the spirit that makes our district the Birthplace of Champions--a place where neighbors care for each other and look out for one another.

I thank Chris Poa for his continued dedication to serving our community.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Jayla Atkinson as Ohio's 13th District Champion of the Week.

Jayla, a senior at Stow-Munroe Falls High School, ended her high school track career as the back-to-back Division I State Champion in the 800 meters.

This is actually the second time I have had the honor of recognizing Jayla on the House floor for her athletic accomplishments, as I had the pleasure of congratulating her after she secured her first state title last year.

In this year's dramatic finish, returning state champion Jayla put in a huge push in the last 100 meters to secure her second state title.

In defending her state title, Jayla set a new school and personal record time of 2 minutes and 9:51 seconds.

This impressive win capped off a very successful high school track career for Jayla, during which she garnered numerous accolades including her two state titles, one state runner-up title, one third place state title finish, and several regional and district awards.

Her dedication, determination, and passion for her sport is outstanding and shows just what hard work can accomplish.

Congratulations once again to Jayla Atkinson for defending her state title, and for an illustrious high school career.

She has made her school, family, and community very proud, and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize not one, not two, but three incredible athletes from Ohio's 13th Congressional District who will represent our country at this year's Olympic Games in Paris: LeBron James, Marcus Christopher, and Steph Curry.

LeBron is a three-time Olympic medalist and the greatest basketball player of all time. We know him fondly as just a kid from Akron.

LeBron will be the first men's basketball player to ever carry the flag in the opening ceremony for Team USA, an incredible honor and a true testament to his passion for his sport, dedication to his community and hometown, and his leadership amongst his teammates and fellow Olympians.

Making his Olympic debut, Steph Curry is a four-time NBA champion and two-time NBA MVP.

Both LeBron and Steph were born in the same Akron hospital, giving us the inspiration for the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I know they will represent us well during the men's basketball game.

Marcus Christopher is a proud product of Canton, Ohio, and at just 21 years old, he is one of the top BMX freestyle riders in the world. He recently earned a gold medal at the X Games in California and looks to repeat this dominance at the Olympics.

These incredible athletes embody the highest levels of perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship. LeBron, Marcus, and Steph each reflect our district's proud legacy as the Birthplace of Champions, and the entire community and our country is rooting for them and cheering them on, wishing them the best of luck. Go, Team USA.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Alexandria Brown as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Alexandria is a fire medic for the city of Green and the founder of Female Firefighters of Ohio, a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources to aspiring female firefighters through training, mentorship, and preparation for the fire service.

Today, fewer than 10 percent of firefighters are women. In order to increase the number of women in her field, Brown reaches out to aspiring female firefighters to provide support, including access to mentorship programs and monthly training sessions to gain critical experience and necessary certifications.

Alexandria cultivates a supportive training environment that allows women to enter the field feeling prepared, supported, capable of contributing to their departments, and, most importantly, keeping all of our communities safe.

I am thankful for all of those who are willing to run toward the fire while we all run away. They keep our community safe.

Alexandria's dedication to expanding female representation in her field is an inspiration for our community and a shining example of the spirit that makes our district the Birthplace of Champions.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Alexandria Brown for her dedication to her field and the amazing work she does to keep our community safe.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jackson High School students Justin Lackey, Joe Lattarulo, Zachary Ferguson, Matt Smith, and Jack Lancy, operating as Team FlameGuard, as the Champions of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

These students won first place in the Company of the Year competition at the Junior Achievement National Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., this year. They were inspired to create a company that sells fire safety kits after witnessing a tragedy in our community that killed a family of four.

I had the opportunity to meet these amazing students just a few weeks ago

when they came to our Nation's Capital to compete, and they told me about their mission to help their fellow community members protect what matters the most by equipping individuals with the tools they need to prevent dangerous house fires and protect themselves from harm.

The FlameGuard team worked with local fire safety officials to assemble two different fire safety kits. In just 3 short months, FlameGuard arrived at the summit, having sold 355 items with net sales of over $16,000.

Students like the FlameGuard team are what makes our district the Birthplace of Champions. I congratulate FlameGuard on their entrepreneurial success and their tireless dedication to community safety.