Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Luke Mallon. Luke is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1214, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Luke has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities, such as the Mile Swim. Over the many years Luke has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned 29 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Luke has achieved much as a scout, having achieved the ranks of Patrol Leader, and Den Chief. Luke has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Luke's project saw him build and install birdhouses and a bird feeder at a local bird sanctuary.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Luke Mallon for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America, and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Henry Chapman. Henry is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 120, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Henry has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities, such as camping for a total of 58 nights, hiking more than 24 miles, and serving 35 hours of community service. Over the many years Henry has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned 59 merit badges and 7 Eagle Palms, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Henry has achieved much as a scout, having achieved the ranks of Quartermaster, Troop Guide, and Den Chief. He also earned his Totin' Chip, Den Chief Service Award, Emergency Preparedness BSA Award, and the National Achievement Award for Camping. Henry has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Henry's project saw him build an outdoor deposit box that allows the public to honorably retire flags that are a symbol to our country. There is also a donation bin on the box where people can donate to a veteran's charity.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Henry Chapman for his

accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America, and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Evan Spiwak. Evan is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1214, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Evan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Evan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned 31 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Evan has achieved much as a scout, having achieved the ranks of Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader. Evan has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Evan's project saw him repaint fire hydrants throughout his city, performing a needed service to the community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Evan Spiwak for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America, and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Leah Shoemaker. Leah recently competed in the U.S. Special Olympics and won gold in the long jump and mini javelin competitions, while also placing 5th in the 100-meter dash.

Leah is a St. Joseph native and while she has been involved in athletic competition for 17 years, 2022 was her first U.S.A. National Games. While she has certainly put in the hard work and discipline to make herself into a champion, her first inspiration was her mother, Jean Ann Davis. Jean Ann encouraged her to participate and remains Leah's greatest supporter and cheerleader. To excel in even one of these events is impressive, to excel and win against the best athletes in multiple sports is awe inspiring. Her example of hard work, dedication and excellence is deserving of being honored and commended.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking Leah for her accomplishments and dedication that proudly represent the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I am proud to represent Leah Shoemaker in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Tanner Hrenchir. Tanner recently competed in the U.S. Special Olympics placing 1st in the deadlift competition, 2nd in the squat competition, 3rd in the bench, and 2nd overall.

Tanner has been engaged in sports for essentially his entire life, competing in flag football, basketball, and power lifting. He is a dedicated athlete, having clinched a spot in the national games on 3 different occasions. Tanner hasn't let Down syndrome prevent him from following his passions and succeeding. Tanner's parents, and everyone else, are blessed to have such a fine young man in their lives. His story is an inspiration of will and determination that sets an incredibly high bar for those who have the privilege of knowing him.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking Tanner for his accomplishments and dedication that proudly represent the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I am proud to represent Tanner Hrenchir in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ellen Kisker. Ellen is an exceptional woman who won the award for Woman of Merit from the YWCA St. Joseph Awards Program.

Ellen served as Director of the Non-Traditional Student Center and ADA Coordinator for Missouri Western State University for 24 years. While at MWSU, she was honored with the National ANTSHE College Advisor of the Year and Northland Regional Excellence in Higher Education awards, as well as being awarded the MWSU Presidential Citation under two different presidents. After retiring from MWSU, Ellen worked at the YWCA for 8 years, where she served in various capacities, ending her tenure there as the Family Resources Director. As a hands-on leader, she facilitated the Choices/Decisions program, as well as assisted her staff in the Encore Plus and Healthy Teen Parents and Healthy Babies programs. Since retiring for the second time in 2020, Ellen continues to be a strong supporter of the YWCA and serves on the Women of Excellence Steering Committee. Ellen's hard work and service to the community has been extremely valuable and she is well-deserving of her award.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking and congratulating Ellen Kisker for winning the Woman in the Workplace Leadership award as well as her service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I am proud to represent Ellen Kisker in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Reverend Mary McDonald. Mary McDonald is an exceptional woman and winner of the Woman in the Workplace Leadership Award from the YWCA St. Joseph Awards Program.

Reverend McDonald has served for 27 years at Holsey Chapel, working faithfully and tirelessly on behalf of her congregants. During her years of ministry, Mary also worked for 34 years at Boehringer- lngelheim and was twice the Outstanding Performance in Sales and Marketing Award recipient. Her hard work and dedication have enshrined her as a leader worth looking up to.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking and congratulating Reverend McDonald for winning the Woman in the Workplace Leadership award as well as her service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I am proud to represent Reverend Mary McDonald in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Monica Morrey. Monica Morrey is an exceptional woman who won the award for Emerging Leader from the YWCA St. Joseph Awards Program.

Monica has dedicated herself to advocacy and service to others. While in college, she worked at a crisis hotline serving survivors of domestic violence. Since then, she has dedicated herself continually to advocate for victims of crime, especially domestic abuse. She has worked for Legal Aid of Western Missouri assisting victims of domestic violence and acquiring orders of protection for them. Her dedication to these victims and their defense is extraordinary and commendable.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking and congratulating Monica for winning the Emerging Leader award as well as her excellence in serving the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I am proud to represent Monica Morrey in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ashlin McCamy. Ashlin won the award for Future Leader from the YWCA St. Joseph Women of Excellence Awards program for her demonstration of leadership and ethics.

Ashlin is an accomplished athlete who has participated in volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track, all the while serving in student government. She is the president and founder of the Women Empowerment Club, dedicated to the empowerment of women. She has demonstrated time and time again her ethical leadership, and in fact has won multiple awards while doing so.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking and congratulating Ashlin McCamy for winning the Future Leader award as well as her excellence in leadership and service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I am proud to represent Ashlin McCamy in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Butchart Flowers and Gifts. Butchart Flower and Gifts won the award for Employer of Excellence from the YWCA St. Joseph Women of Excellence Awards program for its honorable business practices.

Butchart Flowers and Gifts was purchased three years ago by John and Michelle Leimbach and has expanded to include a second location. To compensate for the added growth and responsibilities, the business increased employee wages and instituted a quarterly bonus system to encourage employees to take a personal role in ensuring the business's success. The business recognizes their important role in helping people celebrate the seasons of life and their employees take that responsibility seriously. In addition to meeting the floral needs of their customers, the business regularly gives back to the community through donations and partners with the nonprofit, Sisters of Solace.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking and congratulating Butchart Flower and Gifts for winning the Employer of Excellence award as well as their excellence in serving the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I am proud to represent Butchart Flowers and Gifts in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Carolyn Sampson-Winger. Carolyn won the award for Entrepreneur of Excellence from the YWCA St. Joseph Women of Excellence Awards program for her financial and community successes.

After going into business as an independent insurance agent in 2000, she became recognized as an ``All-American Agent''. As an employer with a two-person staff, she has consistently been a leader in excellent customer service, business ethics, faith, strong work ethic, and community service. She has served in various leadership positions in the community, including on her church board, Southside Rotary, South St. Joseph Progressive Association, and Southside Business Women. She has also served on the City Planning & Zoning Commission and on the Board of Directors for the Robidoux Resident Theater and lnterServ.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking and congratulating Carolyn Sampson-Winger for winning the Entrepreneur of Excellence award as well as her excellence in finance and service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I am proud to represent Carolyn Sampson-Winger in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Cindy Reeder. Cindy Reeder is an exceptional woman who won the award for Woman in the Workplace from the YWCA St. Joseph Awards Program.

Cindy Reeder is the Treatment Court Administrator for the Buchanan County 5th Judicial Circuit. Starting out as a clerk in Division 3, she willingly took on the additional responsibility of the program, along with her regular duties as a clerk. Over the years, she has been instrumental in developing the fluid process in which participants are referred to the program and has the responsibility of tracking all participant case information while on supervision. During her 21 years of service to the program, Cindy has continuously worked to improve the program to match both state and national levels and serves on the Missouri Association of Treatment Court Professionals. Her continual dedication has made her effectively the heart and soul of her program.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking and congratulating Cindy for winning the Woman in the Workplace award as well as her hard work in serving the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I am proud to represent Cindy Reeder in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jane Frick. Jane is an exceptional woman who won the award for Lifetime Achievement from the YWCA St. Joseph Awards Program.

Jane Frick served as an English professor, department head, and Writing Project director at Missouri Western State University from 1972 to 2012. She published in state and national English and educational journals and made numerous state, regional, and national presentations at English and National Writing Project conferences. She also served as the Chair of the Missouri Humanities Council and President of the Missouri Folklore Association while at MWSU. Throughout the years, Jane has served this community in multiple ways on the St. Joseph School Board, 1984 to 1996; at First Christian Church (1971 to present; former Church Moderator and Elder); as a long-time member of the St. Joseph's Women's Press Club (former president); as a volunteer for Helen Washington's after-school program at the Bartlett Center, 2013 to 2014); and as a volunteer reader for the United Way. Her service in her community and dedication to education are worthy of this award and further commendation.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking and congratulating Jane Frick for winning the Lifetime Achievement award as well as her hard work and service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I am proud to represent Jane Frick in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Marsha Rosenthal. Marsha is an exceptional woman who won the award for Lifetime Achievement in Volunteerism from the YWCA St. Joseph Awards Program.

Marsha delivered Meals on Wheels and won the David G. Berger Community Service Award in 2017. Marsha is also serving on the Community Mission Board of Directors, and has served as Secretary, Vice President, and Chairperson of the Volunteer Committee. Marsha has also served on the Open-Door Food Kitchen Board of Directors, for 15 years, cooked and served lunches with the Jewish community members, served as Vice-President for 3 years, and President for 7 years. Marsha is serving on the Jewish Community Board of Directors of Temple B'nai Sholom, Jewish Sisterhood of St. Joseph, and is currently President of the Sisterhood. Marsha continues to serve her community with passion and true devotion. Those who know her, speak admirably of her. We are very appreciative of the compassion she exhibits in all she does and are truly grateful for her service to the community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking and congratulating Marsha Rosenthal for winning the Lifetime Achievement in Volunteerism award as well as her service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I am proud to represent Marsha Rosenthal in the United States House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Phyllis Myers. Phyllis won the award for Woman in Volunteerism from the YWCA St. Joseph Women of Excellence Awards program for her service in her community.

In 1970, Phyllis co-founded the New Generation Singers with her husband, the pastor of Wyatt Park Christian Church. Over the last 52 years, she has served as a leader, mentor, and chaperone, attended countless rehearsals and performances, and accompanied the group on 2- week tours across the United States and Canada. She's developed fond connections with thousands of young people, over the years, and has served as a substitute mother and grandmother to many.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking and congratulating Phyllis Myers for winning the Woman in Volunteerism award as well as service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I am proud to represent Phyllis Myers in the United States House of Representatives.