Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of the Warrior Healing Center in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

The Warrior Healing Center, which I was honored to visit earlier this year, is a pillar of the local veteran community. The center provides community and peer support to veterans throughout Sierra Vista with the goal of eliminating veteran suicide throughout Cochise County.

The Warrior Healing Center cares for those who have served through crisis intervention, command and control, and a one-stop shop with several veteran organizations under the same roof.

The center's dedicated work ensures that local veterans have access to the resources and the tools that they need to thrive.

Veterans who come to the Warrior Healing Center are met with a caring staff and volunteers, which I have met, who are committed to understanding their individual needs. Through their efforts, these veterans are able to receive amazing short-term and also long-term support.

I thank Director Cathie Goodman, Chief Clerk Dr. Tim Kirk, and everyone at the Warrior Healing Center for all the work that they do for our veterans. Their efforts have made an incredible impact in Sierra Vista, in Cochise County, and beyond as well. I wish them all the best as they continue to provide veterans with the support they need after sacrificing so much for our country.

recognizing tanque verde unified school district's 140th anniversary

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 140th anniversary of Tanque Verde Unified School District.

Since 1886, the district has been providing public education in the Tanque Verde Valley. The first Tanque Verde school opening its doors all those years ago began a legacy of service and education that has impacted generations of valley residents.

Through the work of dedicated staff and the commitment of students and their families, Tanque Verde schools have served as an example of excellent public education.

The district will celebrate this historic milestone on September 23, bringing together members of the Tanque Verde community, both past and present, as a picture of the community's rich and unique history and honor the people who have made the district's success possible.

To superintendent Dr. Scott Hagerman, teachers and staff, and students and families, congratulations on an incredible 140 years. Through their work and dedication, Tanque Verde Valley is home to outstanding public education. Congratulations again, and here is to many, many more wonderful academic years ahead and lives impacted of our future generations through the power of public education.

Honoring Lisa Scott Being Named 2027 Arizona Teacher of the Year

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate Lisa Scott from the Vail School District earning the title of 2027 Arizona Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Scott, who is an eighth grade science teacher at Esmond Station K-8, has earned the highest honor among educators in being named the 2027 Arizona Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Educational Foundation.

This esteemed award celebrates and honors educators who represent the very best of their profession by both inspiring their students and also strengthening the local community.

Not only has Mrs. Scott been an amazing educator, she has done so while also navigating significant life changes that resulted from a near-death experience in December of 2022.

The discovery of a kidney stone led to Mrs. Scott experiencing a loss of consciousness, septic shock, and treatment with a medication that restricted her limbs' blood vessels to the point of needing to amputate both her hands and feet.

Committed to continuing to do what she loves, even after a life- altering event, Mrs. Scott returned to the classroom in July of 2024, where she has proven that anything is possible when you refuse to be defined by circumstances.

Being a great example to all the students that she serves and teaches, her colleagues, her administrators, but also our entire community of what grit and dedication and passion for a career like education can do for someone.

Congratulations to Mrs. Scott, Lisa, on this incredible achievement. I thank her for the impact she has made on her students and our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of Pima Federal Credit Union, a milestone which the organization started celebrating on June 1.

Pima Federal has been serving Arizonans since 1951, helping members reach their financial goals and offering support to our communities.

From helping members set up their first checking account or credit card, to providing home loans and business solutions, Pima Federal has been a pillar of the Arizona community.

My appreciation for the work they have done is personal because my first ever financial institution account was with Pima Federal, and I can truthfully say they were a huge support and source of learning for me.

Pima Federal is especially committed to expanding access to homeownership through their innovative home loan programs which help families build stability, achieve their goals, and create generational wealth.

This commitment defends and preserves the American Dream, of which homeownership is integral.

I thank all the staff and leadership at Pima Federal Credit Union for their service to the communities of Arizona.

Their work has impacted generations of Arizonans, helping families and small businesses reach the financial goals they have set for themselves, and the ones they otherwise would have thought impossible.

I congratulate them on 75 amazing years. Here's to many more still to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Matthew Riccitello on his success in the 2026 Tour de France.

Matthew Riccitello, who was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, finished this year's Tour de France with a time of 76 hours, 7 minutes, and 35 seconds.

Riding as pall of the Decathlon CMA CGM team in his first Tour de France, Matthew placed 24th overall out of 184 total cyclists.

At just 24 years old, Matthew has already made a name for himself on the international cycling stage, being recognized as one of America's top Grand Tour prospects.

After building a reputation as part of the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team, he made history with an incredible season in 2025 by finishing fifth overall in the Vuelta a Espana and receiving the race's white jersey as best young rider.

Matthew has consistently performed well in high-altitude races, winning overall in the 2025 Sibiu Cycling Tour and securing a top placement in the 2024 Tour de Suisse and 2023 UAE Tour.

He has already shown excellence on the world stage and has a long and successful career ahead of him.

Matthew's parents still live in Tucson and travelled to France to watch their son compete, getting to see him finish one of the most challenging races in the world.

I congratulate Matthew. His astonishing accomplishment has made his family, hometown, and country so proud.

I wish him the best of luck in future seasons, and I am cheering him on as he continues pursuing his passion of cycling.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible life of Julia McCaa, who sadly passed away on July 4, 2026, reuniting with her beloved husband, Dr. Clea McCaa I.

Julia McCaa spent her life serving others--through ministry, counseling, prayer, support, and unwavering love. She devoted her life to advancing the Kingdom of God by doing everything for His glory.

After graduating from high school, Julia continued her love of learning through her time at Wenonah State Technical College, MTI Business School in Miami, Florida, and Cochise College.

Along with her gift of learning, Julia had the gift of music. As a teenager, she joined her sisters in a gospel singing group named The Three Sisters. Her love of singing continued throughout her life, allowing her to share the Gospel through song in countless settings.

On May 14, 1961, Julia married Dr. Clea McCaa I at Trinity Church of God in Christ in Ensley, Alabama. Their marriage was wholly built on their love of and faith in Christ. Julia faithfully supported her husband throughout his time in the military and ministry as a prayer warrior, unwavering partner, and trusted counselor.

Julia found great joy and fulfillment in her family, as she and her husband were blessed with two wonderful children, Michelle Denise McCaa and Mayor Clea Otis McCaa II. Together, they also shared three beautiful grandchildren, Diondra Julia Denise (``Jul''), Clea Otis III (``Trae''), and Marie Cene' (``Reecee'').

Throughout her life, Julia demonstrated a servant's heart. She committed her time to helping others, serving in the Church of God in Christ, being a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Sierra Vista West End Commissioner, and receptionist at Canyon Vista Medical Center, as well as volunteering with several local and national organizations.

Julia will be greatly missed. She was a light to those around her and all who knew her experienced genuine love, care, and counsel.

May Julia rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the last official A-10 flight at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona.

On July 29, the 357th Fighter Squadron commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ryan ``Clutch'' Rutter, and the 355th Operations Group commander, Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Dwyer, will mark the end of a phenomenal 50- year chapter of A-10 operations in Tucson.

This spring, Davis-Monthan also celebrated the graduation of the final class of the A-10C Thunderbolt II student pilots from the 357th Training Squadron, marking the end of A-10 training at the base.

These milestones bear historical significance and represent a longtime connection between the A-10, Davis-Monthan, and the Tucson community.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the Warthog, has great military significance not just in Tucson but across the Nation. Designed during the Cold War to combat Soviet tanks in Europe, this aircraft is the Air Force's only one built exclusively for close air support, or CAS.

The A-10 has served the U.S. military for decades. While it will no longer be in use at Davis-Monthan, this aircraft will continue to be an essential asset of our Nation's military.

I thank Lieutenant Colonels Rutter and Dwyer, for their outstanding leadership at Davis-Monthan. I congratulate both lieutenant colonels, the 357th Fighter Squadron, and everyone at Davis-Monthan on an extraordinary 50 years of A-10 operations.

The last official A-10 flight on July 29 will be remembered as a significant milestone at Davis-Monthan, and our community will proudly remember this incredible 50-year chapter in our city's history.

Honoring Life of Linda Barber

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor a dear friend, Linda Barber, who tragically passed in June. She was surrounded by her family and was certainly welcomed home by her husband, Jim, whom she missed dearly and spoke of often.

My wife, Laura, and I are incredibly saddened by this loss to our community.

Linda was deeply loved and involved in Pima County politics for several decades. From serving as a precinct committeeman since 1972, being a legislative district chairman, president of several entities, chairman of the Pima County party, a vice chair of the State party, and office manager of the Arizona Governor's Office, she dedicated her life to making a difference in Arizona.

Linda truly cared about our community and the people around her. She was always there for us. She was a great friend to our family and a big supporter of all of us, as well as many in our community.

I am beyond grateful for Linda's leadership, her friendship, and the example she set for those who knew her.

Laura and I are keeping the Barber family and their loved ones in our prayers. As we all grieve this devastating loss, we always remember her smile and kind heart.

Linda gave so much to those around her. She will be greatly missed, and her legacy will live on through all of those she impacted, which are many.

May my dear friend Linda rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tanque Verde High School softball team on winning the 2026 3A State championship title.

The Hawks earned the title by defeating Yuma Catholic by a 10-0 score.

This victory marks the team's first-ever championship, an accomplishment that is exciting and worth celebrating.

During the championship game, Tanque Verde added their first run on the board in the third inning, before adding six runs in the fourth, one in the fifth, and two more in the sixth.

Junior pitcher Claire Achilles was named the Class 3A MVP after pitching six innings, allowing a hit and recording 13 strikeouts.

Additionally, sophomores Mikaela Jackson and Ella Haggard each had three hits during the game.

The Hawks gave all they had and came out on top. I am so proud of them.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Mark Stevens, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible. Their hard work has made their school and our community proud. I know the Hawks will enjoy their victory. They have earned it, and here is to another

successful season and many, many more.

Congratulating Salpointe Catholic High School Softball Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Salpointe Catholic High School softball team on winning the 2026 4A State championship title.

This victory marks the team's seventh title in the last nine years.

Confident in the team's ability to win this year's title, Salpointe Coach Tricia Sztan and her staff ordered shirts with the slogan ``#TakeItBack2026'' written on the back.

At the beginning of the fifth inning, senior second baseman Alyssa Montano led with a single and advanced to second with the help of senior pitcher-outfielder Soli Ramos.

Then Catherine ``Peaches'' Sztan hit an RBI single to center field that scored Montano and tied up the game at 2.

The Lancers finished the fifth inning with three runs after an RBI single by senior catcher Sarah Camp and RBI double by senior first baseman CC Moraga with two outs which put the Lancers ahead 4-2.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Sztan, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible. Their hard work has made their school and our community very proud. I know the Lancers will enjoy their victory. They have earned it, and here is to another successful season and many, many more.

Congratulating the Canyon Del Oro High School Softball Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Canyon del Oro High School softball team on winning the 2026 5A State championship title.

After three runner-up finishes in the past five seasons, the Dorados came out on top this year with a score of 4-3 in the championship game, finishing the season 29-6.

This victory marks the team's first State title since 2017. It is also Coach Kelly Fowler's third title since starting at CDO.

During the game, junior first baseman Emma Shaffer scored a three-run home run at the top of the first inning, putting the Dorados up 3-0 early in the game.

The game was tied up 3-3 for a short time, but the tie was broken after Shaffer forced a walk to load the bases and freshman second baseman Brooklyn Benavides moved the score to 4-3.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Kelly Fowler, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible. Their hard work has made their school and our community very proud. I know the Dorados will enjoy their victory. They have earned it, and here is to another successful season and many, many more.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 201 and YEA on Roll Call No. 202.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Willcox High School softball team on winning the 2026 2A State championship title.

The number five Willcox Cowgirls defeated the number two Mohave Accelerated in Bullhead City with a score of 5-3 to claim the championship and finish the season with an impressive 16-3 record.

This victory marks the Cowgirls' first State softball title in 16 years, an accomplishment certainly to be celebrated. This championship didn't come easy, though. On their way to the game, the team's bus broke down, but the Cowgirls didn't let this setback get in the way of the most important day of the season.

Instead, they crammed into parents' cars to make it to the game, and they made it on time, prepared to play their absolute best.

During the game, Willcox put one on the board in the fourth inning and maintained their lead, scoring 1 in the fifth, and then 3 in the seventh.

Freshman pitcher Hattie Macumber earned the MVP of the 2A tournament after an impressive seven strikeouts and two runs.

Congratulations to Coach Trevor Ward, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible. Their hard work has made their school and their community very proud.

To the Cowgirls, may they enjoy their victory. They have earned it.

Here is to another successful season and many more to come.

Remembering Chris and Jacque Sheafe

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor a dear friend, Chris Sheafe. He and his beloved wife, Jacque, tragically and unexpectedly passed earlier this month.

My wife, Laura, and I are deeply saddened by this loss, a loss to us personally and a loss to our entire community.

Chris was a special person, a wise and thoughtful man, who generously shared his time with people and the causes that he believed in, as well. Chris devoted decades of his life to making the American Dream a reality as a successful homebuilder.

The safety, shelter, and financial security that comes from owning your home, Chris helped make that possible for so many people throughout his life. He was also a driving force in shaping Tucson's hospitality industry as a partner in the company that constructed one of the signature resorts that our desert community is famous for: Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.

His work with organizations like Rio Nuevo, the Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association, and the Tucson International Airport Authority was a true expression of how intentionally he cared about the Tucson community which he called home for the past 50 years.

Chris devoted his career to work and shaping southern Arizona, improving our community for those who live there today and for our next generation as well. He was a man of integrity, a man true to his word, and a man who you wanted close to you all the time.

Chris and Jacque's love for the Lord was truly evident. They both always took time to greet each one of my kids and make them feel special. I have six kids, Mr. Speaker, so that took time every single Sunday when we saw them at church.

They brought joy into every room they entered, and together they led a life marked by service and by passion.

Laura and I are keeping the Sheafe family in our thoughts and prayers as we all grieve this heartbreaking loss.

We are grateful for all he gave to our community. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will live on in the lives that he touched.

Mr. Speaker, may my dear friend rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Fort Thomas High School boys' basketball team on winning the 2026 1A State championship.

The Apaches won their first title since 2020 with a score of 77-45 in the championship game. Nearly 10,000 fans were in attendance to cheer on Fort Thomas, making their victory that much sweeter.

Senior Damarae Dosela led the team, scoring 26 points, including three consecutive three-pointers at the end of the third quarter. His performance earned him the championship's MVP vote.

With this victory, the Apaches took home their 13th State title. Coach Matthew Dona, having led the team to this year's championship title, was named the Boys' 1A Conference Coach of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Dona, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible. Their hard work has made their school and our community very proud. I hope the Apaches enjoy their victory. They earned it. Here is to another successful season and many, many more.

Pima High School Boys' Basketball Wins 2A State Title

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pima High School boys' basketball team on winning the 2026 2A State championship title. The Roughriders took home the State title in a 40- 29 victory over North Valley Christian, thanks to an incredible defense.

This victory marks the second State championship title the Roughriders have taken home in the last three seasons, after winning in 2023, as well, and their 12th overall.

Senior Keegan Corona scored 16 points, helping secure the win for Pima. Corona was also named the 2A East Region Offensive Player of the Year.

This victory caps off a 21-year career for Coach Cliff Thompson, with an impressive 475-173 record. This puts Thompson at 17th overall in Arizona history.

I congratulate Coach Cliff Thompson, the whole team, and everyone who made this win possible. Their hard work has made their school and our community very proud.

Roughriders, enjoy your victory. You have earned it. Here is to another successful season and many, many more.

Palo Verde High School Boys' Basketball Wins 3A State Title

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Palo Verde High School boys' basketball team on winning the 2026 3A State championship title.

The Titans made school history with this victory, taking home their first basketball State championship in school history. They earned the title with a score of 52-41 against Coolidge High School.

Junior Rashad Ortiz led the team with 19 points and was chosen as MVP for the 3A State tournament.

This amazing win comes after the Titans reached the 3A championship just last year.

Coach Anthony Smith has led the team since 2021, coaching the Titans to a State championship, a State runner-up, and a 96-40 record.

I congratulate Coach Smith, the whole team, and everyone who made this history-making win possible. Your hard work has made your school and our community very proud. May the Titans enjoy their victory. They have earned it.

Here is to another successful season and many, many more.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of a dear friend, Chris Sheafe, and his beloved wife, Jacque, who tragically and unexpectedly passed earlier this month.

My wife, Laura, and I are deeply saddened by this loss--a loss to us personally and a loss to our entire community. Chris was a special person--a wise and thoughtful man who generously shared his time with the people and the causes he believed in.

Chris devoted decades of his life to making the American Dream a reality as a successful homebuilder. The safety, shelter, and financial security that comes from owning your home--Chris helped make that possible for so many. He was also a driving force in shaping Tucson's hospitality industry as a partner in the company that constructed one of the signature resorts that our desert community is famous for--Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.

His work with organizations like Rio Nuevo, the Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association, and the Tucson International Airport Authority was a true expression of just how intentionally he cared about the Tucson community, which he called home for the past 50 years.

Chris devoted his career to work that shaped Southern Arizona, improving our community for those who live there today and for the next generation. He was a man of integrity, a man true to his word, a man you wanted close to you.

Chris and Jacque's love for the Lord was truly evident. They both always took time to greet each one of my kids and make them feel special. They brought joy into every room they entered, and together they led a life marked by service and passion.

Laura and I are keeping the Sheafe family in our thoughts and prayers as we all grieve this heartbreaking loss. We are grateful for all he gave to our community. He will be deeply missed and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched.

May my dear friend Chris, and his wife Jacque, rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th birthday of Rabbi Baruch J. Cohon.

Rabbi Cohon has led a remarkable life. Over the years, he has been a world-class Cantor, served in the U.S. Navy as a sonarman during World War II, worked as a TV producer and composer, and served as an ordained Rabbi, among many other pursuits. He truly has an exceptional legacy.

In his time in television, he worked as a producer and writer for well-known shows like Sea Hunt and Cisco Kid and taught Gene Wilder how to pray in the traditional Jewish style for the film, The Frisco Kid.

Rabbi Cohon has also been a concert artist, choir conductor and arranger, recording artist, published author and editor, a university and seminary professor, philanthropist, and held leadership roles both locally and nationally.

His published article on the structure of Jewish music remains the standard for understanding it on an academic level.

Rabbi Cohon moved to Southern Arizona in 2019, having previously served as a visiting rabbi and teacher at several Southern Arizona congregations throughout many visits over the years.

He is a highly respected figure in the Jewish community here who is still very much active, regularly assisting in leading services and reading the Torah nearly every Shabbat and festival.

Additionally, Rabbi Cohon established the Cohon Memorial Foundation in memory of his own parents, which provides a large annual gift to those whose work benefits the Jewish community as a whole.

Dearly devoted to his family, Rabbi Cohon spends as much time as he can with his four children, seven grandchildren, and five great- grandchildren.

I thank Rabbi Baruch J. Cohon for his decades of service in so many different capacities. I wish him a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the University of Arizona's Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium's 50th Anniversary and the opening of their newest exhibit, Mysteries of the Cosmos.

The Science Center & Planetarium started as a result of the efforts of expert University of Arizona scientists and leadership, along with generous funds from the estate of author and Tucson visitor Grace H. Flandrau in 1972.

Recognizing the University of Arizona's excellence in astronomy and space science, the Arizona Board of Regents approved the formation of Flandrau that same year, and construction began in 1974.

From the moment the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium opened its doors in 1975, it has provided visitors with immersive educational experiences.

Through the use of tools including interactive displays, digital features, laser light shows, large-scale models, and science lectures, the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium has made studying the stars accessible to the public.

With the immersion of new planetarium technologies throughout the years, Flandrau has gone through renovations to ensure visitors get a well-rounded and unforgettable experience.

The Science Center & Planetarium has opened several new exhibits since its opening, many of which feature the incredibly talented faculty and their transformational research happening within the College of Science and at the University of Arizona

The newest exhibit, Mysteries of the Cosmos: Life in the Universe, opens tonight. This new interactive exhibit is an exciting milestone that will further strengthen the Science Center & Planetarium's ability to bring the wonder of the stars down to Tucson.

To the Flandrau leadership and staff who have dedicated their time to this extraordinary center, and to the individuals who made the Science Center & Planetarium possible in the first place, I congratulate them on 50 years.

Here's to many more years to come and the future generations who will walk through their doors to learn about our incredible universe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of my district's signature attractions for residents and visitors alike--the Pima Air and Space Museum.

This incredible museum is a fun and informative tribute to our Nation's unstoppable determination to soar--literally.

The Pima Air and Space Museum opened its doors on May 8, 1976, but the idea for the museum started a decade earlier, when Air Force Colonel I.R. Perkin and the Tucson chapter of the Air Force Association established the Tucson Air Museum Foundation of Pima County.

Thanks to their dedicated efforts, the Pima Air and Space Museum began preserving the aircraft that helped us win World War II and other examples of our storied aviation past.

Several of the museum's founders were World War II veterans who witnessed firsthand a large part of our aviation history. The Pima Air and Space Museum took off as a way to give future generations a glimpse into our Nation's pioneering aviation advancements.

Since the museum's opening, it has grown to include several hangars and many compelling exhibits--it is home to around 400 examples of planes and aircraft equipment spanning more than 100 years of aviation history.

Pima Air and Space Museum is one of America's largest non-government funded aviation museums. It really is a must-see. Its collection of military and civilian aircraft is truly unique.

The Pima Air and Space Museum reminds visitors where we started in aviation, how far we've come, and how we as Americans refused to let anything hold us back.

I congratulate Pima Air and Space Museum on the past half a century. Here's to the decades ahead and many more visitors who will get to experience America's aviation history up close.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th Anniversary of Marana Unified School District. For the past century, Marana Unified has excelled in its one very important mission: educating our children.

Marana Unified School District takes its responsibility seriously and over the past 100 years has forged a well-deserved reputation for academic excellence.

Marana's top-quality schools are high on the list of reasons that families want to live in Marana.

The district has grown to include twenty schools--Tangerine Farms K-8 and Marana Vista Academy opened just last year. It now serves 13,000 students from preschool through 12th grade and is home to 2,000 dedicated employees.

Ranked in the top 1 percent of Arizona districts for academic growth, Marana Unified provides an exceptional education to all its students, from kindergarten to high school.

The district offers a wide array of outstanding academic programs, including an advanced Special Education program, a Gifted and Talented Education program, and 21st Century Community Learning Center opportunities to foster college and career readiness.

In addition to academics, Marana Unified also excels in its athletic programs. Throughout the decades, the district has built a legacy of athletic excellence, from championship football and basketball teams to competitive volleyball, soccer, and tennis programs.

I congratulate Marana Unified School District, Superintendent Dr. Dan Streeter, teachers and staff, and students and families on 100 years of academic excellence.

Their commitment to learning and growth has made education in Marana what it is today. If it is true that education is the key to a better future--and I firmly believe it is--then Marana is where those keys are made.

May they enjoy this accomplishment. Here is to the many years ahead and generations of Marana students to come who will be impacted by their work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Snow Peabody for his continued efforts to give back to the community of Arizona, specifically through his work with Teen Challenge.

Now, Mr. Peabody has been working with Teen Challenge of Arizona since 1971 and has served as the executive State director for 50 years.

Reverend Peabody married his lovely wife, Ladelle, in 1976. They were married for 49 years and have three children: Sunny, Heaven, and Crystal Rain, as well as five grandchildren.

Now, Ladelle went home to be with the Lord at age 70 on March 14, 2025, just last year. Ladelle was a blessing to all that met her and to all that followed her direction as the Teen Challenge of Arizona State Music Director.

Ladelle could be seen at any of the five Arizona Teen Challenge centers singing songs of praise, engaging with everybody there, the men, the women, especially the children at the center, and bringing a joyful smile to each person that she met.

Together, the two led Teen Challenge for half a century, reaching and impacting countless lives. They began Home of Hope, a Teen Challenge center in Casa Grande. Additionally, they began the Springboard Home for Girls in Oro Valley back in 1976.

I was honored to speak at the Teen Challenge banquet last November where Reverend Peabody talked about leaving a seat open at his table because he knows that Ladelle is there, and she wouldn't want to miss it. She was with him at every single dinner and every single banquet, and at that special one, he left a seat open for her.

At that very moment it was clear to everyone in the room how much Teen Challenge means to both of them.

I thank Reverend Snow Peabody for his 55 years of incredible service with Teen Challenge. May Ladelle's legacy live on forever.