Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Arizel Corniel, a truly exceptional individual who has been awarded the prestigious Silver Knight Award in athletics. This esteemed accolade is bestowed upon high school students in Broward and Miami-Dade County who have not only demonstrated outstanding academic achievement but have also made noteworthy contributions to their community.

Arizel assumed the position of goalkeeper on the varsity soccer team at Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School and played an integral role in leading her team to victory at the district championship three times and once at the regional championship. Due to her outstanding display of leadership on her team, she was given the MSD Lady Eagles Alhadeff Coaches Award. Alongside her dedication to athletics, she also devoted time to serving her community as a co-founder of Career Closet. She founded this organization with the help of her school's DECA chapter to help students obtain lightly used business attire for various professional endeavors. She was able to collect more than 2,000 articles of clothing in the non-profit's first year of operations.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Ms. Arizel Corniel as a remarkable student and exceptional contributor to the discipline of athletics.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Marissa Farrugia, the winner of the Silver Knight Award in the world languages discipline. The Silver Knight Award is bestowed to high school students in Broward and Miami-Dade County for outstanding academic achievement and noteworthy contributions to their community.

Marissa's fluency in Spanish and Hebrew is a testament to her intellectual capabilities. Beyond her linguistic pursuits, she has actively participated in the Teen Political Forum, bridging the gap between students and elected officials to foster productive discourse. Her efforts to raise public awareness about heart health in memory of her late grandfather are commendable. She has raised nearly $1,000 for the American Heart Association and has advocated through social media and her role as president of the Science National Honor Society.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Ms. Marissa Farrugia as a remarkable student and exceptional contributor to the discipline of world languages.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Joshua Martoma, a beacon of inspiration and the recipient of the prestigious Silver Knight Award in the social science discipline. This award, a testament to his exceptional academic prowess and remarkable community service, is bestowed upon high school students in Broward and Miami-Dade County.

Joshua is a shining example of turning adversity into triumph. His father served time in federal prison during Joshua's youth, which inspired him to cofound the nonprofit KidsMates alongside his two younger siblings. To assist children who also grew up with a family member who was incarcerated. His organization donated over 5,000 books, games, and movies to federal prison rooms, reaching prisons in 23 states. He is passionate about informing the public of this crisis, and his essay titled ``Parental Incarceration Is a Silent American Epidemic More Common Than Childhood Asthma'' addresses this issue. His essay placed him in the Top 11 winners of The Learning Network's 10th Annual Student Editorial contest and was published in the New York Times.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Joshua Martoma's remarkable achievements, exceptional contributions to the discipline of social science, and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Sophie Whiteside, a truly exceptional individual who has been bestowed with the Silver Knight Award in the speech discipline. This award, a symbol of academic excellence and community service, is a testament to Sophie's outstanding achievements and her significant contributions to her community. It recognizes her dedication, talent, and the positive impact she has made in the lives of others.

Sophie's intelligence and eloquence can be seen in her success as a two-time Tournament of Champions Bid Earner for debate. Her dedication is displayed through her participation in twenty national-level speech and debate tournaments, and her talent led her to place sixth in the State of Florida for policy debate by the National Speech and Debate Organization. She has also been a beacon of kindness to the elderly community, as she was inspired to establish the Sending Sunshine Pine Crest Chapter in 2021 in honor of her grandmother, who passed away after suffering from dementia in her later years. Through this nonprofit, she has worked tirelessly alongside her team of 260 members to make the elderly feel appreciated by sending over 5,300 handwritten letters to local and international senior homes.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Ms. Sophie Whiteside as a remarkable student and exceptional contributor to the discipline of speech.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Emilia McGovern, the first-place winner of the prestigious Pathfinder Scholarship in the Business category. This scholarship is awarded to Palm Beach and Martin County students who have displayed excellence in their academic and communal endeavors in a multitude of categories.

Emilia's academic journey is a testament to her dedication and passion. She earned an AICE Diploma with Distinction from Cambridge University and College Board Hispanic Recognition, showcasing her academic prowess. Her leadership role in her high school's Marketing Academy and her commendable performance in DECA competitions, where she secured the 5th position in the state for Marketing Communications, demonstrate her commitment to her community. Her aspiration to pursue a degree in public relations to become a social media manager is a reflection of her forward-thinking mindset and her desire to make a positive impact.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today to recognize Ms. Emilia McGovern as an excellent student and notable contributor to the field of business.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Holocaust Survivor Day. On June 4th, we come together to celebrate the survivors for their bravery, sacrifices, and lives.

Holocaust survivors are our teachers, and it is our collective responsibility to pass on the legacy of their testimonies.

I would like to recognize and honor the following survivors Frances Gaspar, 103 years old; Chaim Greenberg, 102 years old; Lucy Blicker, 102 years old; Elaine Lefkowitz, 101 years old; Hana Altarac, 104 years old; Allan Feld, 105 years old; Rena Reiter, 101 years old; Rosa Lindenberg, 100 years old; Rose Boyarsky, 100 years old; Herman Haller, 100 years old; Betty Eisdorfer, 100 years old; Estelle Dreese, 100 years old; David Elefant, 100 years old; Miriam Rozenbaum, 100 years old; and Lena Porter, 100 years old.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Florida's 23rd Congressional District, please Join me in commemorating Holocaust Survivor Day. May their stories be forever remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ryan Aouad, the first-place winner of the prestigious Pathfinder Scholarship in the World Language category. This scholarship is awarded to Palm Beach and Martin County students who have displayed excellence in their academic and communal endeavors in a multitude of categories.

Ryan attends West Boca Raton High School, where he has further advanced his skills as a polyglot. His passion lies with the Spanish language, which led him to earn a distinguished mention on his Spanish AICE/AS test. He also maintains fluency in French while possessing the skillset to speak intermediate

Arabic and beginner Russian. He uses his language skills to further assist those in his community, which can be seen in his volunteer work as a lifeguard and swim coach, in which he is able to dedicate his efforts to teaching non-native English-speaking swimmers. We are hopeful that Ryan's multi-lingual capabilities will pave the way for a successful career in foreign affairs, where his unique skills and perspective will be invaluable.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me today in recognizing Mr. Ryan Aouad as an excellent student and notable contributor to the field of world languages.

Mr Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Nikki Leali, the first-place winner of the prestigious Pathfinder Scholarship in the Computer Engineering and Technology category. This scholarship is awarded to Palm Beach and Martin County students who have displayed excellence in their academic and communal endeavors in a multitude of categories

Nikki, a student at FAU High School, is a shining example of hard work and dedication. She is not only taking dual enrollment courses at the FAU Wilkes Honors College but also working towards a major in data analytics. Her future includes continuing her education at FAU and graduating in 2027 with a master's degree, with the aim of becoming a data analyst. Her experience volunteering with FAU's Privacy, Security, and Trust in Autonomy Lab, where she has gained experience interpreting research papers and using Python coding, has prepared her to launch into a career in which she hopes to become a leader in implementing and advancing artificial intelligence and data visualization.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me today in recognizing Ms. Nikki Leali as an excellent student and notable contributor to the field of computer engineering and technology.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jake Chavis, the first-place winner of the prestigious Pathfinder Scholarship in the Sports category. This scholarship is awarded to Palm Beach and Martin County students who have displayed excellence in their academic and communal endeavors in a multitude of categories.

As a student at FAU High School, Jake has maintained a 4.0 GPA and will graduate high school with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry. He is currently enrolled at Wilkes Honors College at FAU. His school's tennis team competed in the 2023 State Championship under his leadership as captain. His passion for tennis extends into his community, where he selflessly teaches tennis at the Tenorio Tennis Academy and has volunteered hundreds of hours with the Delray Beach Open Tennis Tournament. He aspires to become a professional tennis player and hopes to attend law school.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me today in recognizing Mr. Jake Chavis as an excellent student and an incredible athlete.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Brooke Taylor, the first-place winner of the prestigious Pathfinder Scholarship in the Reach for Excellence category. This scholarship is awarded to Palm Beach and Martin County students who have displayed excellence in their academic and communal endeavors in a multitude of categories.

Brooke, a Spanish River High School student, has excelled academically as an AP Scholar with Distinction and an AICE Diploma recipient. Her Journey as an individual with a learning disability spurred her to found the Learning Disability Awareness Club at her school, a testament to her commitment to inclusivity and advocacy. Her future career goal of serving as an elected school board member and specializing in education law is a testament to her dedication to championing the rights of students with special needs.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me today in recognizing Ms. Brooke Taylor as an excellent student and impactful member of her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Ava Allwardt, the first-place winner of the prestigious Pathfinder Scholarship in the Science category. This scholarship is awarded to Palm Beach and Martin County students who have displayed excellence in their academic and communal endeavors in a multitude of categories.

Ava, a student at Saint Andrews School, is driven by a passion for biomedical engineering and a desire to leverage computer science in the discovery of biologically complex diseases. Her research, already published in two prestigious science journals, has earned her a place as a finalist in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. She has also collaborated on projects with renowned institutions such as Harvard Medical School and UF Scripps Biomedical Research. Beyond her academic achievements, Ava has made a significant societal impact through her volunteer work, dedicating over 750 hours of service to the International Youth Neuroscience Association and establishing chapters in more than 35 countries.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me today in recognizing Ms. Ava Allwardt as an excellent student and notable contributor to the field of science.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Shania Grant, the first-place winner of the prestigious Pathfinder Scholarship in the History and Political Science category. This scholarship is awarded to Palm Beach and Martin County students who have displayed excellence in their academic and communal endeavors in a multitude of categories.

Shania, a student at FAU High School, is a shining example of academic excellence and community engagement. Her dedication has earned her a place on the FAU President's Honor Roll three times, a role as managing editor for FAU's law journal, and an internship at the school district's General Council office. As a first-generation student, she aspires to use her passion to make a difference in the legal realm, with plans to attend law school and specialize in immigration or employment law.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Ms. Shania Grant as an excellent student and notable contributor to the fields of history and political science.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Maya Gordon, a recipient of the prestigious 2024 Broward League of Cities Scholarship. This honor is awarded to Broward County's most ambitious and accoladed students who aspire to attain a career contributing to municipal government.

Maya plans to attend Florida State University to pursue a degree in political science after she graduates from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. She has worked diligently to serve her community, completing over 2,190 documented service hours. She served as Vice Chair of the Broward County Public Schools Human Relations Committee, and her dedication to her community can also be seen through her nomination for the Miami Herald Silver Knight Award, an honor reserved for high school seniors who are not only academically adept but also notable contributors towards their community.

Maya's intellectual prowess has been demonstrated through her achievements, including being a National Speech and Debate Association Academic All-American qualifier and receiving the AP Scholar Award. Her dedication to the field of science is evident from her title as an Experimental Science Honors Student of Excellence. Maya's future plans are equally impressive. She aspires to a career in public office, where she can use her talents and energy to implement policies and programs that promote equity and justice.

Mr. Speaker, I urge you to join me in acknowledging Ms. Maya Gordon's outstanding achievements and significant contributions to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Angelina Kennedy, a recipient of the prestigious 2024 Broward League of Cities Scholarship. This honor is awarded to Broward County's most ambitious and accoladed students who aspire to attain a career contributing to municipal government.

Angelina, a current senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, is a shining example of dedication to her community. She will be working to obtain a degree in Political Science in her collegiate career. Her contributions extend beyond her academic success. As the President of Parkland Youth Ambassadors in her junior year, she collaborated with city officials to resolve various community issues, acting as the main line of communication between her fellow students and local government. She is also the founder of the chapter project Hogar Del Nino, dedicating all four years of her time in high school to organize collections for children in the Dominican Republic and educate others on the issue of child poverty.

Her passion for public service can further be seen through her involvement in DECA, where she served as president during her senior year of a chapter with over 800 members, She also dedicated her energy to an internship with a criminal defense attorney, which further solidified and fueled her passion for providing a voice for those who have been victimized and promoting justice in the legal field.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me today in recognizing Ms. Angelina Kennedy as an outstanding student and impactful member of her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. J.W. Arnold, the President and Executive Director of Fleet Week Miami and Broward Navy Day for his endless work in Broward County, Florida.

In 2020, Mr. Arnold assumed the role of Executive Director of Broward Navy Days Inc., a position from which he orchestrated the support of local community organizations, businesses, and government agencies. His efforts were instrumental in bringing to life the remarkable events of Fleet Week, which served as a platform for South Florida to express its gratitude and support for our Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Reservists, Sailors, and veterans. Mr. Arnold's involvement with Broward Navy Days spans over a decade, during which he spearheaded public relations and marketing, public ship tour ticketing, and major public events such as the Pearl Harbor Memorial Service and the Air and Sea Show.

Furthermore, Mr. Arnold is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was the public affairs specialist for ``The President's Own'' United States Marine Band, coordinating two national tours, including performances at the White House and the Kennedy Center. J.W. Arnold also receives the 2024 ``Patriot of the Year'' Award.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. J.W. Arnold, the President and Executive Director of Fleet Week Miami and Broward Navy Day, for his outstanding work in Florida's 23rd Congressional District.