Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Clark Mershon, a very special educator who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership. He has been honored as the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals 2003 Middle School Principal of the Year.

Clark began his teaching career in 1982 at Lebanon Junior High School, as both a teacher and coach and advanced to Principal in 1992. He currently serves as Principal of New Mark Middle School in North Kansas City, Missouri, where he has been since 1997. Clark was given this distinction because of the impact he makes on both staff and students.

The staff of New Mark Middle School commend Clark for his strong leadership shown to teachers, students and community members. His humanity, humility, and sound instructional and organizational skills illustrate the importance of his impact on his school and community.

The student body acknowledges Mr. Clark for his welcoming personality that instills pride, honor and school spirit at New Mark.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Clark Mershon as the MASSP's Middle School Principal of the Year. Clark exemplifies the qualities of exceptional leader and Principal and we are proud to have him as an educator in the 6th District of Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Steve Cox, an exceptional gentleman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership in his work as the sheriff of Livingston County, Missouri, and with the Elks Lodge 656 of Chillicothe.

This year, Steve is being honored with the Outstanding Achievements Award as the Elk's citizen of the year. Steve is truly an asset to crime fighting in Northwest Missouri. Under his leadership, his department has received the Missouri State Deputy Sheriff of the Year Award two years in a row.

When Steve is not working relentlessly as the sheriff, he spends his spare time in internet chat rooms searching for sexual predators. To date, he has brought over a dozen to justice.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Steve Cox for his many important contributions to Northwest Missouri Officers, the Elks Lodge 656 of Chillicothe, his community and the 6th District of Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize James Francis Homan, 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 312, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

James has been very active with his troop, participating in such Scout activities as the Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. Over the 11 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Camp Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, and Instructor. James also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with the award of the Firebuilder in the tribe of Mic-O-Say award. Additionally, he has earned 34 merit badges during his years in Scouting.

For his Eagle Scout project, James converted and old pastor's study/ storage room into a prayer chapel at Ascension Lutheran Church. He enlisted the services of families, fellow Scouts and members of his congregation to clean the windows, paint and refurbish the room.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sean A. Wood, 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 67, and in earning the most prestigious Award of Eagle Scout.

Sean has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as Camp Geiger. Over the five years he has been involved in scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, and Den Chief. Sean also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as Warrior in the Tribe of Mic- O-Say, Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and Fire Builder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Additionally, Sean has earned 31 Merit Badges.

For his Eagle Scout project, Sean removed an existing concrete sidewalk outside of the Gallatin Fire Station and replaced it with a concrete ramp, two handicap parking spaces, a steel ramp for the railing, a new door and two handicapped signs.

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

Mr. Speaker, I Proudly pause to recognize Daniel William Pierce, 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 67, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Daniel has been very active with his troop. Over the five years, he has been involved in scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop quartermaster, troop historian and troop guide. Daniel also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Tribe of Mic-0-Say Award. Additionally, Daniel has earned 39 merit badges.

For his Eagle Scout project, Daniel organized and designed a circle driveway through a park and also put wood posts around the drive and poured 3 concrete pads for picnic tables.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jacob Austin Gardner, 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 67, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jake has been very active with his troop, participating in such Scout activities as Camp Geiger. Over the 8 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, and Junior Scout Master. Jake also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and Fire Builder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Additionally, Jake has earned 32 merit badges.

For his Eagle Scout project, Jake cleaned up and built a new fence around Mitchell Cemetery, which is one of the oldest cemeteries. The cemetery dates back to 1840 and contains the graves of slaves, Abraham Lincoln's aunt and more than 30 Civil War veterans, both Union and Confederate.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kayla Cress, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 5091, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a Scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include: 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration; 2. Earning the Career Exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip; 3. Earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills; 4. Designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote Girl Scouting; and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community.

For her Gold Award project, Kayla did refurbishment work at the Burr Oaks Conservation Center.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kayla Cress for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Laura DeLong, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 1381, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a Scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include: 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration; 2. Earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip; 3. Earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills; 4. Designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote Girl Scouting; and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award Project that has a positive lasting impact on the community.

For her Gold Award Project, Laura created a music clinic for elementary school children.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Laura DeLong for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Billy D. Cole on this, his 50th year in local banking.

Mr. Cole began his banking career on his 18th birthday, March 2, 1953. He found his first job at the former Empire Trust Company where he worked for Fairleigh Enright as a teller-trainee. Since then, he has served as an officer or director of over 40 banks and ten bank holding companies throughout Missouri and Kansas. Today, Mr. Cole serves as the vice-chairman of the board of Nodaway Valley Bank in Missouri.

Mr. Cole truly has worked hard during his years of service and ultimately has become one of the regions well-known and most respected bankers.

Mr. Speaker, today I proudly ask you to join me in commending Billy D. Cole for his accomplishments and dedication on the anniversary of his 50th year in banking.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Veronica Christiansen, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, troop 472, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in girl scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include: 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, 2. Earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, 3. Earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, 4. Designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl scouting, and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community.

For her gold award project, Veronica refurbished and painted a playground.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Veronica Christiansen for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Melanie Kientzy, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 1230, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the gold award.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a Scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include: (1) Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration; (2) earning the Career Exploration Pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip; (3) earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills; (4) designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl scouting; and (5) spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community.

For her Gold Award project, Melanie set up a video library for the area agency on aging.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Melanie Kientzy for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Devon Kilgore, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 1381, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include, 1. earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, 2. earning the Career Exploration Pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, 3. earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, 4. designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote Girl Scouting, and 5. spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community.

For her Gold Award project, Devon organized nursing center interactions.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Devon Kilgore for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ashley Morgan, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 3248, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a Scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include: 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration; 2. Earning the Career Exploration Pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip; 3. Earning the Senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills; 4. Designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote girl Scouting; and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community.

For her Gold Award project, Ashley organized a basketball camp for elementary and middle school girls.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ashley Morgan for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Rachel Newell, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, Troop 472, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the Gold Award.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values, and leadership skills. The requirements include, 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, 2. Earning the Career Exploration Pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, 3. Earning the senior Girl Scout Leadership Award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, 4. Designing a self-development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote Girl Scouting, and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community.

For her Gold Award Project, Rachel refurbished and painted a playground.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Rachel Newell for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ashley Fowler, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of America, troop 971, and in earning the most prestigious honor of the gold award.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement attainable in Girl Scouting. To earn the Gold Award, a scout must complete five requirements, all of which promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positivevalues, and leadership skills. The requirements include, 1. Earning four interest project patches, each of which requires seven activities that center on skill building, technology, service projects, and career exploration, 2. Earning the career exploration pin, which involves researching careers, writing resumes, and planning a career fair or trip, 3. Earning the senior Girl Scout leadership award, which requires a minimum of 30 hours of work using leadership skills, 4. Designing a self development plan that requires assessment of ability to interact with others and prioritize values, participation for a minimum of 15 hours in a community service project, and development of a plan to promote Girl Scouting, and 5. Spending a minimum of 50 hours planning and implementing a Girl Scout Gold Award project that has a positive lasting impact on the community.

For her Gold Award project, Ashley made baby quilts for Hope House.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ashley Fowler for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.