Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ryan James Cheshier, 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 270, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Ryan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Ryan 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 Ryan James Cheshier 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 Tyler Joseph VanVacter, 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 270, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Tyler has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Tyler 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 Tyler Joseph VanVacter 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 Matthew Donald Marsh, 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 374, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Matthew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Matthew has been involved with scouting, he has earned 34 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Chaplains' Aide, Assistant Patrol Leader twice and Patrol Leader twice. Matthew has earned the 100 Night Camper Award and became a Runner in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Matthew used his organizational and leadership skills to lead a group of boys and adults in restoring the trail erosion barriers at the Camp Fire Boys and Girls Camp Shawnee. He is currently a senior at the University of Missouri--Rolla where he is a student of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Donald Marsh 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 Logan James Reed, 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 374, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Logan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Logan has been involved with scouting, he has earned 31 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Patrol Leader and Patrol Leader. 1Logan has earned the Master Camper Award and became a warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Logan used his leadership skills to lead a group of boys and adults in constructing two pre-fabricated water fountains and benches with a concrete pad that is handicap accessible on the walking trail in Kearney. He is a member of the Northern Hills Baptist Church and attends the Excelsior Springs Area Career Center for the HVAC program.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Logan James Reed 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 Grant Richard Sampson, 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 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to congratulate the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce on their Centennial Anniversary. On April 23, 1907, the chamber was created when area businessmen came together to improve the economic vitality by promoting businesses and community and enhancing the quality of life in Maryville, Missouri.

The mission of the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce is to support advancing agriculture, education, industry, legislation, retail, professional services, recreation, and tourism of the City of Maryville and its surrounding area.

The City of Maryville, organized on February 14, 1845, has become the commercial, educational and entertainment center for the region by hosting such events as fairs, auto shows, and rodeos.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to represent the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce and congratulate them on 100 years of service and I look forward to future celebrations.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Maxwell ``Max'' William Eldon Pepper, 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 376, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Maxwell has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Maxwell has been involved with scouting, he has earned 28 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Librarian, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Quartermaster. Maxwell is an Ordeal Member in the Order of the Arrow and a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Maxwell ``Max'' William Eldon Pepper 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 rise to honor 5 outstanding individuals, Stephanie Hull, Shane Daniel, John Ahlfield, David Klco, and Ammon Sarver, who competed in the 2007 National Science Bowl representing Liberty High School. This is Liberty's third year in a row to make it to the National Finals.

Since 1991, the National Science Bowl, through the sponsorship of the United States Department of Energy has brought together high school students to compete in an academic competition in the fields of chemistry, biology, physics, earth science, mathematics, astronomy, and general science.

Also, I want to recognize the great leadership of the team including Coaches Rosemary Camp and Mary Coogan. It is also important to acknowledge the parents, family, mentors and friends who have helped these students succeed in their academic efforts.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating the Liberty High School Science Bowl Team on their achievements and wish them the best of luck in their future academic endeavors. It is an honor to represent this team in the United States Congress.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dominick Esteban, 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 214, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Dominick has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Dominick 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 Dominick Esteban 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 Joshua Abernathy, 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 264, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Joshua has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joshua 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 Joshua Abernathy 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 Travis James Foster, 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 264, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Travis has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Travis 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 Travis James Foster 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 Kevin Aaron Lewis, 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 264, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Kevin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kevin 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 Kevin Aaron Lewis 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 Wright, 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 264, and in 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 numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Evan Wright 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 Joshua Patrick Zans, 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 264, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Joshua has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joshua 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 Joshua Patrick Zans 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 Joseph Whalon, 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 264, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Joseph has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joseph 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 Joseph Whalon for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.