Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to congratulate James Couch, who is one of only two students from Arkansas to receive a Horatio Alger scholarship this year.

The scholarship program is one of the largest in the country, providing educational funding to exceptional students who have overcome significant adversity.

Mr. Couch just finished his junior year at North Little Rock High School where he certainly proved to be an exceptional student.

His involvements include Student Council President, Little Rock Kappa League President, and member of Beta Club, Math Honors Society, Key Club, and National Honor Society. He also placed third in the state wrestling competition.

In an interview with Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Mr. Couch talked about the application process. He wrote about his definition of the American dream and losing a loved one, his aunt. I commend his dedication to write about these important moments of his life.

He commented that his guidance counselor motivated him to apply for the scholarship. This kind of mentorship and encouragement truly makes a difference in schools across our state.

Mr. Couch hopes to attend college in Washington, D.C. and ultimately become a surgeon. What an exceptional goal to dedicate one's life to caring for others.

Congratulations again to Mr. Couch.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to congratulate 21 rising and graduated seniors from Riverview High School in Searcy.

Each of these gifted students have taken and passed a dual-credit history course from their high school in partnership with Arkansas State University-Beebe.

With this complete, they will already be ahead in their college education and be set for success wherever they may go.

I was delighted to welcome these talented students to our Nation's Capital just a few weeks ago and show them the history of the United States firsthand.

To make the trip, these young men and women tirelessly raised the funds themselves by working concession stands and hosting car washes.

Their hard work inside and outside of the classroom will ensure that they achieve excellence in their future endeavors.

It's wonderful to see the hard work of our students and I wish them continued success in their future education.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Jason Smedley, a native of Little Rock and decorated Marine Corps veteran, who will serve as the commandant of the brand-new Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy.

His distinguished military service includes multiple deployments, working within the Pentagon, and a Purple Heart when serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Back home in Little Rock, Colonel Smedley has continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserves. He has also strived to serve within his community, including time as a volunteer firefighter.

Colonel Smedley has proven his dedication time and time again to the United States Marine Corps, his home state of Arkansas, and the youth of our communities.

I thank him for his distinguished service, and I am confident that he will be an inspiring leader for the lucky students of the Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy.

Semper Fi Colonel.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor Julia Bullock, a longtime Searcy resident and the National Guard's 2023 Armed Forces Military Spouse of the Year.

Julia serves as the Soldier and Family Readiness Group coordinator for Headquarters Company, 2-153 IN, and as one of the coordinators for the overall Battalion.

In her role, Julia tirelessly works to help soldiers and their families access resources within the community that can help them through major issues, especially home and food insecurity.

She also serves as an advocate for the Guard, frequently speaking to Arkansas elected officials to advocate for long-lasting solutions to these challenges for our military families.

Julia and her husband, Michael, an Arkansas Army National Guardsman, reside in Searcy with their children. I extend my sincere gratitude to her and her family for their tremendous service.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor Sydney Massey, a recent graduate of eStem High Public Charter School, and a 2023 Presidential Scholar.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars program recognizes our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

Sydney is one of only 161 students receiving the award this year, making it one of the highest honors for recent graduates.

This award serves as a well-deserved recognition of Sydney's many years of academic excellence. Her dedication and commitment should serve as an example for our nation's youth.

In addition to receiving this award, she has also been recognized for scoring a perfect 36 on the ACT.

I congratulate Sydney on being named a Presidential Scholar and her many academic achievements, and I wish her the best in what is sure to be a bright future.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor rising 7th grade student Amelia Lisowe, a resident of Benton and congratulate her for being crowned the winner of the Royal International Miss Preteen.

In addition to her crown, she also won several well-deserved awards. prizes, and cash scholarships.

Since 2018, Amelia has overseen her own nonprofit organization, Lisowe's Lights, and has raised enough money to donate 20,000 nightlights to foster children in the United States and around the world.

She is a talented school athlete. participating in both the school dance and volleyball teams.

Amelia also dances with Dance Dynamics Company and serves as an iCan Dance buddy for special needs dancers.

She should serve as a role model for our Nation's youth.

I congratulate her on her crown, her tireless volunteer work. and her many accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at noon tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 5 o'clock and 11 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, October 19, 2023, at noon.

Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 11 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 6 o'clock and 19 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 11 a.m.

Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today it adjourn to meet at 6 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2023.

Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 5 o'clock and 25 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until Monday, October 16, 2023, at 6 p.m.

Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 22 minutes p.m.), the House adjourned until tomorrow, Friday, October 13, 2023, at 9 a.m.

Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at noon tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 6 o'clock and 49 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, October 12, 2023, at noon.