Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to recognize the outstanding service and leadership of Chuck Hitchborn on the occasion of his retirement as Mayor of the City of Smithville, Missouri.

Chuck served four years as Mayor of Smithville. Before that, he served six years on the Smithville Board of Aldermen. In addition to his service in Smithville, Chuck also served eight years as a city council member in Arrowhead, Colorado. Chuck has been married to his wife, Joan, for 57 years. Together they have two children, five grandchildren, and ten grandchildren with two more on the way. In his spare time, he is an avid quilter and enjoys gardening. He gets his greatest enjoyment from working with kids and supporting Smithville's local student organizations and athletes.

Chuck has served the Smithville community in many other ways as well. He has been a member and past President of the Rotary Club and is also a current member of the Smithville R-II School District Foundation. Some of Chuck's accomplishments include the downtown sewer replacement project, the approval of Smithville Commons and the addition of the veterans memorial in downtown Smithville.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in commending Chuck Hitchborn for his dedicated service to the people of Smithville, Missouri. I know Chuck's colleagues, family and friends join with me in thanking him for his commitment to others and wishing him happiness and good health in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Gage Carter Herrington, 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 45, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Gage has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Gage participated in the National Youth Leadership Training in Boy Scouts of America. Gage is also a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O- Say.

Gage has also excelled academically, ranking 11th in his class of 201 at Lafayette High School. Gage participated in the National Geography Bee at the State level, earned a double varsity letter on the debate team, and earned medals at the Science Fair and Science Olympiad.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Gage Carter Herrington 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 Cory Adams, 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 60, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Cory has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Cory has shown an extraordinary commitment to Scouting as evidenced by earning 45 merit badges. Cory is also a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Cory's Eagle Scout service project was placing two swinging benches at the ponds located at Duncan park in Savannah, Missouri. Cory performed the majority of the work, and supervised other Scouts, friends and family that helped with the project. This project continued the tradition of community service established by the Boy Scouts of America.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Cory Adams 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 Adam Carroll, 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 60, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Adam has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Adam has shown an extraordinary commitment to scouting as evidenced by earning 62 merit badges. Andrew is also a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Andrew's Eagle Scout service project consisted of constructing and placing two Martin Bird Houses at Messick Park in Savannah, Missouri. Andrew supervised other scouts, friends and family that assisted with this project. This project continues the long tradition of community service established by the Boy Scouts of America.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew Carroll 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 Zachary Beattie, 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 60, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Zachary has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Along with his 42 merit badges, Zach has earned the World Heritage Award and the Mile Swim Award. Zach is also a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

In 2003, Zach earned the Shawn Burke High Adventure Scouting Award and in 2005 he earned the Jeff Prewitt Scouting Spirit Award. Along with scouts, Zach is active in many community and school activities. Zach is also a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Teachers of America and National Honor Society.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Zachary Beattie 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 Mathew David Buchholz 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 303, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Mathew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Mathew has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mathew David Buchholz 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, Morgan Walker Martz 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 175, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Morgan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Morgan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Morgan Walker Martz 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 Timothy D. Andersen of Parkville, Missouri. Timothy 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 1419, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Timothy has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Timothy has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Timothy D. Andersen 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 Elliott Geoff Watkins of Trimble, Missouri. Elliott 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 1008, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Elliott has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Elliott has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Elliott Geoff Watkins 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 Aaron Paul Price of Blue Springs, Missouri. Aaron 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 1205, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Aaron has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Aaron has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Aaron Paul Price 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 Levi Samuel Wilson of Grain Valley, Missouri. Levi 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 1216, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Levi has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Levi has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Levi Samuel Wilson 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 Ethan Scott Clark of Blue Springs, Missouri. Ethan 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 1692, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Ethan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ethan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ethan Scott Clark 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 David James King of Kansas City, Missouri. David 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 1900, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

David has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years David has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending David James King 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 Patrick Reese Kelly of Blue Springs, Missouri. Ethan 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 1692, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Patrick has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Patrick has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Patrick Reese Kelly 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 Steven Joseph Lynch of Liberty, Missouri. Steven 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 1495, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Steven has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Steven has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

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