James R. Baird

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor pastor Tim Hester of Grace Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Since launching Grace Church in 1992, he has helped lead the church from its humble beginnings into a thriving congregation committed to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Tim emphasized practical Biblical teaching, discipleship, and service beyond the walls of the church.

Under his leadership, Grace Church developed ministries for families, recovery, and local and global missions. A defining accomplishment has been The Park on 8th, a community center serving families and children throughout the DeMotte area.

As Pastor Tim completes his 34 years of ministry, his legacy is not just the church he helped build but the people he loved, baptized, discipled, and equipped to follow Jesus. His ministry has shaped Grace Church into a congregation committed to connecting people to God and equipping one another for a Christlike life.

Congratulating Jhett Stillwell

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a local Indiana student-athlete. Jhett Stillwell, from the town of Colfax, Indiana, was named a Reserve Champion Student-Athlete of the Year at the National High School Rodeo Finals.

The recognition highlights student-athletes who excel both in the rodeo arena and in their scholastic and personal achievements.

Stillwell received a scholarship from Professional's Choice as part of the award. His reserve finish gives Indiana representation among the student-athletes recognized at the national level during the Cinch National High School Rodeo Finals.

Stillwell has become quite an accomplished rodeo cowboy. In both 2025 and 2026, Stillwell placed in the senior ribbon roping at the National Little Britches Finals Rodeo. He also serves as an event director for the Indiana High School Rodeo Association.

I congratulate Jhett and hope he keeps up the good work.

Honoring Laura Crosby and Cameron Frazier

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor two Fourth District Hoosiers named National FFA Teacher Ambassadors for the 2026-27 school year.

Laura Crosby from Danville Community Schools and Cameron Frazier from South Putnam Community Schools were chosen to represent Indiana by the National FFA Organization. They will provide training, mentorship, and professional development resources to teachers nationwide while bolstering ag education across the country.

Crosby has served three consecutive years and Frazier four as national teacher ambassadors. This distinctly shows the Fourth District's impact on agriculture in Indiana and the Nation.

I congratulate Laura Crosby and Cameron Frazier on serving our State and our country once again. Giving our youth opportunities to learn about leadership, hands-on agricultural science, and career skills in this ever-modernizing world is an immense task. I cannot, however, think of a more worthy use of time than preparing the next generation to lead our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor pastor Tim Hester of Grace Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Since launching Grace Church in 1992, he has helped lead the church from its humble beginnings into a thriving congregation committed to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Tim emphasized practical Biblical teaching, discipleship, and service beyond the walls of the church.

Under his leadership, Grace Church developed ministries for families, recovery, and local and global missions. A defining accomplishment has been The Park on 8th, a community center serving families and children throughout the DeMotte area.

As Pastor Tim completes his 34 years of ministry, his legacy is not just the church he helped build but the people he loved, baptized, discipled, and equipped to follow Jesus. His ministry has shaped Grace Church into a congregation committed to connecting people to God and equipping one another for a Christlike life.

Congratulating Jhett Stillwell

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a local Indiana student-athlete. Jhett Stillwell, from the town of Colfax, Indiana, was named a Reserve Champion Student-Athlete of the Year at the National High School Rodeo Finals.

The recognition highlights student-athletes who excel both in the rodeo arena and in their scholastic and personal achievements.

Stillwell received a scholarship from Professional's Choice as part of the award. His reserve finish gives Indiana representation among the student-athletes recognized at the national level during the Cinch National High School Rodeo Finals.

Stillwell has become quite an accomplished rodeo cowboy. In both 2025 and 2026, Stillwell placed in the senior ribbon roping at the National Little Britches Finals Rodeo. He also serves as an event director for the Indiana High School Rodeo Association.

I congratulate Jhett and hope he keeps up the good work.

Honoring Laura Crosby and Cameron Frazier

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor two Fourth District Hoosiers named National FFA Teacher Ambassadors for the 2026-27 school year.

Laura Crosby from Danville Community Schools and Cameron Frazier from South Putnam Community Schools were chosen to represent Indiana by the National FFA Organization. They will provide training, mentorship, and professional development resources to teachers nationwide while bolstering ag education across the country.

Crosby has served three consecutive years and Frazier four as national teacher ambassadors. This distinctly shows the Fourth District's impact on agriculture in Indiana and the Nation.

I congratulate Laura Crosby and Cameron Frazier on serving our State and our country once again. Giving our youth opportunities to learn about leadership, hands-on agricultural science, and career skills in this ever-modernizing world is an immense task. I cannot, however, think of a more worthy use of time than preparing the next generation to lead our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great Hoosier canine that has brought comfort and joy to thousands of people across our great Nation.

Dixie the Praying Dog is best known for her therapy work serving veterans and children.

She has brought joy to almost every Indy Honor Flight, visited VA Hospitals, military ceremonies, nursing homes, schools, disaster response sites, etc.

Thousands of veterans and their family members have met Dixie and had the opportunity to see Dixie ``pray,'' bark, and receive pets.

Alongside her owner, Brian Calvert, Dixie has become a powerful symbol of patriotism and unconditional love, proving that extraordinary acts of service can come from the most unexpected heroes.

Dixie's simple act of laying her paws together has become an unforgettable image of hope for people facing life's greatest challenges. I thank Brian and Dixie for bringing comfort to people everywhere they go.