Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Cheryl Halsey, 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 985, 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 15 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, Cheryl created handicapped parking at more than ten city buildings.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Cheryl Halsey 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 Dawn Hardy, 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 1166, 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, Dawn created a self-esteem awareness program.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dawn Hardy 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 Evelyn Howard, 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, Evelyn created a web site on college admissions at geocite.com.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Evelyn Howard 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 Kelly Hult, 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, 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, Kelly organized a father/daughter hike for a service unit.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kelly Hult 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 Elizabeth Clark, 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 985, 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, Elizabeth created handicapped parking for more than ten city buildings.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Elizabeth Clark 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, my flight was inevitably delayed leading to circumstances beyond my control. Therefore I was not able to be present for the record votes on Tuesday, March 4, 2003.

Had I been present I would have voted in the affirmative for: H. Res. 106--Congratulating Lutheran schools, students, parents, teachers, administrators, and congregations across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education, and for other purposes; H. Con. Res. 54-- Honoring Visiting Nurses Association; and H. Res. 111--Honoring the legacy of Fred Rogers and his dedication to creating a more compassionate, kind, and loving world for children and adults.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kevin ``Max'' Coldren, 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.

Max has been very active with his troop, working on his God & Church award and attending the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for four years where he became brave in the tribe of MIC-O-SAY in 2001. Over the four years he has been involved in scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, den chief and bugler. Max also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements by becoming a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.

For his Eagle Scout project, Max worked with doctors and nurses of Medical Aid for Children of Latin America (MACALA), helping them prepare for their 2003 journey to provide surgical and medical aid to the children of the Dominican Republic. Max and his team of scouts and scouters sorted, counted, packed and prepared for shipment medical supplies required for this mission. In addition, Max collected over 300 stuffed animals for the mission so that each child could receive a gift following surgery.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kevin ``Max'' Coldren 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 Stephen John Moore, 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.

Stephen has been very active with his troop, earning his Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos rankings as well as his God and Me, God and Family, and the Arrow of Light Awards. Over the ten years he has been involved in Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, quartermaster, and senior patrol leader. Stephen also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements by becoming a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.

For his Eagle Scout project, Stephen improved portions of a trail at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary. He constructed a rock bridge, two check dams, and a rocked part of the White Tail Trail, helping walkers get through the park more easily.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Stephen John Moore 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 John McDonald, 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 168, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

John has been very active with his troop, completing 31 merit badges and participating in camp Geiger. Over the ten years he has been involved in scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. John also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Arrow of Light Award, The Fire'n Chit Award, the Mic-O-Say Brave Award, the Mic-O-Say Warrior Award, the Totin' Chip Award and the World Conservation Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, John built a 35-foot bridge from the street to the Lathrop Community Football Field, over a ditch, in Lathrop, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending John McDonald 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 Bryant Kagay, 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 35, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Bryant has been very active with his troop, completing 21 merit badges. Over the years he has been involved in Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions. For his Eagle Scout project, Bryant landscaped around the sign at his church.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Bryant Kagay 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 Joe Phillip Protenic, 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.

Stephen has been very active with his troop, where one of his favorite activities was a five day canoe trip, where the troop had Sunday morning worship on the river.

For his Eagle Scout project, Joe designed and built a 4'x6' shed at a house built by Habitat For Humanity in Liberty, Missouri. Because the house does not have a walk-out basement, the homeowners are thrilled to have this easily accessible storage space.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joe Phillip Protenic 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 Cody Edward Roth, 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.

Cody has been very active with his troop, participating in summer camp at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation and earning the Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. During the years he has been involved in scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, including that of quartermaster. Cody also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements by becoming a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow and receiving the Coup of the Long Trail Award.

For his Eagle Scout Project, Cody designed and built a series of steps on a trail at the Parksville Nature Sanctuary. What would have been a muddy, slippery area after rain is now easily accessible.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Cody Edward Roth 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 Brandon Michael Kimble, 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.

Brandon has been very active with his troop, earning the ranks of Tiger Cub, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear and Webelos. Over the ten years he has been involved in scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Troop Guide. Brandon also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements by becoming a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow and receiving the God and Me Award, the God and Family Award, the Arrow of Light, and Brave in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. Additionally, Brandon has earned 38 merit badges, qualifying him for the Eagle Award, the Bronze Eagle Palm, the Gold Eagle Palm, and the Silver Eagle Palm.

For his Eagle Scout project, Brandon helped the city of Parkville, Missouri, comply with the requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act. His project involved spray-painting ``drains to streams, don't pollute'' on every storm sewer drain in the National and the Bluffs subdivisions in Parkville. It is his hope that this will discourage illegal dumping of chemicals into the storm sewers, thereby lessening the risk of pollution in the receiving streams.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brandon Michael Kimble 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 Matthew Alan Vanecek, 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.

Matthew has been very active with his troop, participating in summer camp at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation and earning the Brave in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. During the nine years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 57 merit badges and is brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. Matthew also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements by earning the Bear Claw Award, the God and Me Award, the God and Family Award and the Arrow of Light Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Matthew planned and built a wooden swing set for the Salvation Army Community Center. The set is built so that it could be moved to other locations if necessary.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Alan Vanecek 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 Andrew Joseph Gordon, 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.

Andrew has been very active with his troop, where he progressed to the rank of Webelos. He also participated in summer camp at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation and earning the status of warrior in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. During the thirteen years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 41 merit badges and is brotherhood member of the order of the arrow. Andrew also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements, earning the Bear Claw award, the God & Me Award, and the Arrow of Light award. Andrew has also served in a variety of leadership positions, including Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader.

For his Eagle Scout Project, Andrew built a rock foot bridge and rocked part of the path at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary in Parkville, Missouri.

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