Floor Statements

Mr. President, today I honor Dakeyan Graham, the Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year from C. Leon King High School in Tampa, FL.

Dakeyan teaches his students more than just academic skills; he teaches patience and kindness. He considers this to be incredibly beneficial to his student's success in life and in school. Dakeyan first began his musical career as a saxophonist at King High School and views his return as its band director the full circle to his musical career. In addition to teaching, he serves as president of the Hillsborough County Secondary Music Council and authored a high school African-American heritage curriculum for secondary music.

Dakeyan received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida, where he was part of an honors music fraternity and the Fighting Gators marching band. He returned to his hometown of Tampa to begin his teaching career and earned his doctor of philosophy degree from the University of South Florida.

As a proud Gator myself, I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Dakeyan for his dedication to music and his students. I look forward to hearing of his continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I honor Andrea Green, the Charlotte County Teacher of the Year from Lemon Bay High School in Englewood, FL.

Andrea credits her success in education to collaboration with her past and present colleagues and from the support of her husband, family, and friends. Her professional goal is to help all students find success in science and cultivate an appreciation for knowledge learned throughout their educational career.

Outside of her classroom, Andrea sponsors the school's environmental club, where interested students gather to discuss environmental issues affecting Florida. She is also a member of the Lemon Bay Literacy Council and an active participant in the school's science professional learning community.

Andrea has taught in Charlotte County Public Schools since 1999. She teaches Advanced Placement environmental science, honors anatomy and physiology, and environmental science. She received her master of arts degree in global sustainability from the University of South Florida.

I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Andrea for her dedication to her students and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I am pleased to honor Sara Hall, the Hardee County Teacher of the Year from Hardee Junior High School in Wauchula, FL.

Sara's colleagues and students describe her as an inspiring teacher dedicated to ensuring her students have the opportunity to learn. She loves teaching her students English and being a part of their excitement when they realize how much they learned throughout the year.

Sara Hall is a sixth grade English language arts teacher at Hardee Junior High School. In addition to her writing, she helped to start the Just Us Girls, an extracurricular group for young women that targets areas where junior high girls struggle.

I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Sara for her dedication to her students. I look forward to learning of her continued success in the coming years.

Mr. President, today I recognize Dawn Henderson, the Highlands County Teacher of the Year from Avon Park High School in Avon Park, FL.

Dawn received this award at the Summit Awards ceremony held at her school. Her colleagues note that she dedicates herself to teaching her students, believing that education is the key to changing their mindset, and opens doors for their future success. Parents of her students say she is willing to meet with them at any time, before or after school, to discuss any concerns they may have.

Dawn has worked at Avon Park High School since the beginning of her teaching career in 2004. She currently serves as an advancement via individual determination coordinator.

I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Dawn for her dedication to her students and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the coming years.

Mr. President, today I recognize Jade Osceola, the Glades County Teacher of the Year from Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School in Okeechobee, FL. Pemayetv Emahakv means ``Our Way'' in Creek, the native tongue of Florida's Seminole Indian Tribe.

Jade strives to teach her students about their identities as Native Americans and encourages them to practice communicating with each other in the Muscogee ``Creek'' language. She knows her students want to understand their heritage, and she believes learning about their ancestors' native language is a key to their identity. She works each day to help preserve the Seminole Tribe of Florida's cultures and traditions.

As a student at Seminole Elementary School in the 1990's, Jade participated in a weekly culture class on the Brighton Reservation to learn about Seminole history. This was her favorite class and served as an inspiration for her continued learning of Native American affairs.

Like her students, Jade is a second language learner of Creek. She believes teaching the language to her students is very important, as there are only 33 speakers of the language left in the region. She is dedicated to doing everything she can to keep the language alive for future generations.

Jade teaches Creek 1 and 2 at Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School to seventh and eighth grade students. She graduated from Edison College in 2004 and was offered a job teaching Seminole history. The weekly program helped the creation of the charter school in 2007, where Jade taught Seminole history until 2015.

I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Jade for her dedication to her students and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I recognize Becky Peltonen, the Bay County Teacher of the year from Deane Bozeman School in Panama City, Florida, FL.

Becky received this award months after Hurricane Michael devastated Bay County, which caused several hurricane-related delays throughout the school district. She was honored and humbled to represent all who have worked to repair homes and begin rebuilding the Bay County community.

Becky is an agriculture biotechnology teacher who has taught for 29 years. She has teamed up with parents and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to develop a scientific exploration of animal and plant ecosystems, which has allowed for students to construct their own freshwater habitats.

Becky focuses on teaching students how to raise and grow their own food, which provides them meaningful tools and allows them to save money at the grocery. Becky takes pride when former students return to tell her that she better-equipped them to navigate life after their class together.

I thank Becky for her hard work in educating students, especially while facing the aftermath of Hurricane Michael's life-changing effects. I wish her the very best in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I am pleased to honor Justin Pigott, the Martin County Teacher of the Year from Jensen Beach High School in Jensen Beach, FL.

Justin works to ensure his classroom is a positive environment for his students. He wants each student to feel they are accepted, heard, and supported while in school. Justin memorizes the names of each student prior to their first day of class to ensure they know they matter to him.

Justin is an Advanced Placement calculus teacher at Jensen Beach High School and has taught for 16 years, the last in the Martin County School District. He also works as a student mentor at Indian River State College's Take Stock in Children scholarship program, assists students with SAT and ACT test preparation, and served as a sponsor for his school's math honor society.

I would like to thank Justin for the good work he has done for his students over the years. I wish all the best to him, and look forward to learning of his continued success in coming years.

Mr. President, today I recognize Shane Swezey, the Sarasota County Teacher of the Year from Oak Park School in Sarasota,

Mr. President, today I recognize Jessica Wood, the Monroe County Teacher of the Year from Key West High School in Key West, FL.

Jessica teaches Advanced Placement biology and biology and is the science department chair. Her work has an impact on the entire school as she leads the school's recycling club efforts and serves as a sponsor for Keys to Be the Change, a school club focused on developing student character through service.

Jessica also works with members of outside agencies to read to younger students and promote substance abuse prevention outreach throughout the community. The main thing that inspires Jessica as an educator is the ability to effect positive change on her students by serving as a role model and to continue learning herself.

Jessica is active in her field, working on her pedagogy and assisting others. She has held numerous professional development trainings at her school and throughout the school district. She has been a part of the STEM fair and is also a member of the building level planning team.

I extend my best wishes to Jessica for her work as a teacher and look forward to learning of her continued success in the years to come.

Madam President, today I recognize Paul Vincent Cloud of Niceville, FL, who served his nation in the U.S. Army during World War II and will turn 100 years old on June 8, 2019.

Paul enlisted with the U.S. Army on March 1, 1941, in Huntington, WV. He was assigned as a supply clerk in Company D, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, and trained at Fort Lewis, WA.

On October 24, 1942, Paul was deployed as part of Task Force 34 for Operation Torch, landing at Fedala in French Morocco as part of the Battle of Casablanca. After its surrender, Paul's unit was temporally assigned in Rabat, French Morocco's capital city before moving to Algiers, Algeria. As a part of the 3rd Infantry Division, he was sent to reinforce the 1st Infantry Division at the Kasserine Pass, Tunisia.

In July 1943, Paul left Bizerte, Tunisia, and landed in Sicily near Gela, moving to Palermo and Messina as his division was ordered to Salerno and then Naples, Italy. In late spring 1944, Paul landed at Anzio and advanced with his unit to Rome to seize control of the city after the German retreat. He was later selected to return to the United States due to his service points, leaving Naples on July 16, 1944. Paul was honorably discharged at Fort Meade, MD, and received the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon.

After he was discharged, Paul married Dorothy Anderson in 1947 and graduated from Ben Franklin University in 1951. He worked for the Veterans Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, retiring in January 1976. Together they have two daughters and five grandchildren.

I extend my best wishes to Paul in celebration of his upcoming 100th birthday and for his service to our Nation. I hope the coming year brings him much happiness, joy, and good health.

Madam President, today I recognize Samuel Lombardo of Fort Walton Beach, FL, who served his nation in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean war. He will turn 100 years old on July 13, 2019.

Born in Italy, Samuel immigrated as a young boy to the United States. He enlisted with the U.S. Army in November 1939 in Pennsylvania. He served as the battalion topographical sergeant in the 11th Infantry, 28th Infantry Division and graduated from officer candidate school at Fort Benning as an infantry officer in July 1942.

After serving as an infantry basic training Instructor at Camp Fannin, TX, he was deployed to Europe as a platoon leader and company executive officer in Company I, 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Division during the Battle of the Bulge. Following the battle, he made an American Flag for his platoon to carry across the Danube River from red pillows, blue curtains, and white surrender cloths. He served in the U.S. Army occupation in Germany and was the building officer in charge of the Palace of Justice in Nuremburg and as the officer in charge of a POW camp in Hammelburg with 350 Political POWs.

Upon returning to the U.S., he attended school in Los Angeles, CA, becoming a Japanese linguist. He served as the operations officer, commanding officer, and assistant special agent-in-charge of the 441st CIC Aomori, Japan, and was a field operations intelligence officer in both South Korea and Japan after a tour as inspector general and deputy chief of staff at Fort Ord, CA. Samuel then served as an intelligence officer in Saigon, Republic of Vietnam, before the U.S. formally entered the conflict. He returned to Fort Ord after becoming ill with typhoid and retired as a lieutenant colonel in March 1, 1962.

After his service, Samuel wrote a book, ``O'er the Land of the Free,'' about his World War II experiences. He has received several awards and decorations for his service to our country.

I extend my best wishes to Samuel in celebration of his upcoming 100th birthday and for his service to our Nation. It is my hope that the coming year is filled with good health and happiness.

Madam President, today I recognize Cynthia Barrington, the Jefferson County Teacher of the Year from Jefferson- Somerset Elementary School in Monticello, FL.

From a young age, Cynthia's grandmother instilled in her the importance of education. In the years that followed, Cynthia became passionate about being a part of the educational system. Cynthia's favorite aspect of teaching is working with students in order to have a better understanding of how to best teach them.

Cynthia began her career as a Jefferson County teacher and taught at Jefferson Elementary School for 27 years. When Somerset Charter took over the county's schools, she was included in the school transfer of teachers. She now teaches second grade at Jefferson-Somerset Elementary School.

I extend my sincere gratitude and best wishes to Cynthia for her dedication to teaching and look forward to learning of her continued success in the years ahead.

Madam President, today I honor David Cochrane, the Franklin County Teacher of the Year from Franklin County Middle and High School in Eastpoint, FL.

At his award ceremony, David addressed the crowd to thank his colleagues and students for supporting him. He is excited to help make the school the best it can be and holds high expectations and standards for his students.

David believes that all students deserve a quality education. He encourages his students to think about life after high school and emphasizes that they should work with all of their teachers.

David is a former U.S. Air Force Desert Storm veteran with 14 years of teaching experience. He joined the Franklin County Seahawks in 2015 and teaches algebra and physics. He also serves as the mathematics coach, department chair, and is the sponsor of the Mu Alpha Theta Club.

I offer my sincere gratitude to David for his service to our Nation and extend my best wishes on his continued success in the years to come.

Madam President, today I recognize Sandra McMillan, the Gadsden County Teacher of the Year from Greensboro Elementary School in Quincy, FL.

Sandra considers this important recognition a new motivation for her and has inspired her to do more for her students. She describes her passion for teaching and learning as the key to developing a curriculum that sets the best example for students to take with them after they graduate.

Sandra provides her students with a template for hard work and dedication to success through her time teaching at the college level. Sandra's students describe her class as a great learning environment that inspires them to achieve success.

Sandra has been a teacher for 11 years, with the last 5 in the Gadsden County School District. She has taught exceptional students education at Greensboro Elementary School for the past 2 years and previously taught at the college level for 6 years.

I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Sandra for her dedication to teaching her students and look forward to hearing of her continued success in the years to come.

Madam President, this week the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship joins more than 30 million small businesses across our Nation in celebration of National Small Business Week. Small businesses drive our Nation's economic expansion, generate lasting job growth, and encourage community development. It is important that we recognize the vital contributions of small businesses. In celebration of National Small Business Week, it is my honor name Rising Tide Car Wash of Parkland and Margate, FL, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.

Founded in November 2012 by John D'Eri and his son, Tom, Rising Tide is a full-service car wash with the mission of employing adults with autism. Andrew D'Eri, John's other son, is autistic. As Andrew neared the end of his academic career, John brainstormed ways to help him find a dignified job. Noting his son's embrace of structure, process, and attention to detail, John landed on the idea of buying a car wash. Since purchasing the struggling car wash 9 years ago, John and Tom have grown the business to include a second location, going from washing 35,000 cars per year to more than 150,000 annually.

Today, Rising Tide is one of the largest employers of individuals with autism in the United States. In fact, Rising Tide views autism as their competitive advantage, giving dignified work, structure, and hope to 90 individuals with autism. Their work has not stopped there. Rising Tide is also a leading advocate for autism awareness. In an effort to aid other entrepreneurs looking to build an autism social enterprise, Tom and John created Rising Tide U, an online course offered in partnership with the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Tom and John's innovative approach to advocacy has not only allowed for their business to grow, but has also allowed more small firms to hire individuals with autism.

Rising Tide's mission has sparked national attention. Tom has appeared before the United Nations on World Autism Awareness day, was selected to serve on the Young Entrepreneur Council, and was included in Forbes 30 Under 30 for social entrepreneurship. Additionally, Rising Tide and the D'Eri family have been featured on The Hero Effect, The Today Show, NBC News, TED Talks, Forbes, and People Magazine. Rising Tide has also been named Small Business of the Year by South Florida Business Connection and Employer of the Year by the Autism Society.

Rising Tide is more than just a successful business; they are an inspiration. John and Tom have combined the principles of entrepreneurship and social engagement to create a revolutionary program. Running a successful small business is difficult enough; yet John and Tom D'Eri have found a way to simultaneously engage and encourage truly deserving individuals. Their employees have found a community, friends, and gained valuable experience that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

Starting out with a simple mission of helping a family member find an engaging job, John and Tom have grown Rising Tide into a business that provides both a valuable community service and dignified work. I am honored to recognize the D'Eri family and the entire team at Rising Tide Car Wash as the Senate Small Business of the Week. You make Florida proud, and I look forward to watching your continued growth and success.