Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Shauna Bryant, 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 1815, 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, Shauna updated a refurbished girl's locker room.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Shauna Bryant 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 Mary Jo Elwell, 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, Mary Jo organized and ran a T-Ball program.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mary Jo Ewell 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 Andrew Michael 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 121, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Andrew has been very active with his troop, participating in such scout activities as camp Geiger. Over the 11 years he has been involved in scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as librarian, scribe, instructor, patrol leader and senior patrol leader. Andrew also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as Junior Leader Training Award and the Bronze Eagle Palm Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Andrew constructed an ornamental flower garden at the main entrance of Simpson park in Chillicothe, MO.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew Michael Pepper 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 the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Chapter 307 of St. Joseph, Missouri on this, their 50th Anniversary.

The National Association of Retired Federal Employees is dedicated to protecting the earned retirement benefits of Federal employees, retirees and their survivors. The organization was founded in 1921 by fourteen Federal employees and has grown over the years to more than 400,000 Federal and Postal employees, retirees, spouses and survivors.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Chapter 307 for their accomplishments with the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and in congratulating them on their 50th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jessica Little, 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, Jessica cleaned up and organized a Casa House.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jessica Little 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 Kimberly Marlin, 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, 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.

Fro her Gold Award Project, Kimberly organized a lending library at Colbern Road Baptist Church.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Elizabeth Raine, 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 1444, 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 ear 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 taught science classes to younger children.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Elizabeth Raine 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 Michael Wayne Marriott, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in Scout activities like Camp Geiger. Over the 9 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Librarian, Den Chief, Patrol Leader and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Michael also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with the award of the Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Michael constructed picnic tables for the Missouri Department of Conservation for use by the public at the Poosey Conservation Area near Chillicothe, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Michael Wayne Marriott 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 Nicholas Jordan Hager, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Nicholas has been very active with his troop, participating in such Scout activities as Camp Geiger, Cosmosphere and the Philmont Scout Ranch, the Atikokan Canoe Base in Canada and the National Scouting Museum. Over the 9 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as assistant patrol leader, patrol leader troop guide, assistant senior patrol leader and junior assistant scoutmaster. Nicholas also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as the 50 Miler Award and the Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Nicholas constructed an ornamental garden wall at the west side of the south entrance of Danner Park in Chillicothe, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nicholas Jordan Hager 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 Aaron Mark Dunn, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Aaron has been very active with his troop, participating in such Scout activities as Camp Geiger, Cosmosphere and the Philmont Scout Ranch and the Atikokan Canoe Base in Canada. Over the 6 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as assistant patrol leader, patrol leader troop guide and junior assistant scoutmaster. Aaron also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as the 50 Miler Award and the Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Aaron renovated, repaired and painted the Wheeling Municipal Ball Park in Wheeling, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Aaron Mark Dunn 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 Christopher Phillip Thistlethwaite, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Christopher has been very active with his troop, participating in such Scout activities as Camp Geiger, Cosmosphere, the National Scouting Museum, Atikokan Canoe Base in Canada and the Philmont Scout Ranch. Over the 11 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as librarian, quartermaster, assistant patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader and the junior assistant scoutmaster. Christopher also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with the awards of the Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-0-Say Award and the 50 Miller Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Christopher constructed an ornamental garden and wall at the east side of the south entrance of Danner Park in Chillicothe, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Phillip Thistlethwaite for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achievfng the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Lucas James Cavin, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Lucas has been very active with his troop, participating in such Scout Activities as Camp Geiger, Cosmosphere and the Philmont Scout Ranch. Over the 9 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as assistant patrol leader, patrol leader troop guide, assistant senior patrol leader, senior patrol leader, troop guide and junior assistant scoutmaster. Lucas also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as the 50 Miler Award and the Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Lucas chose to complete an outside accessible enclosed break area for the staff and visitors of Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Lucas James Cavin 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 Clinton Paul Macoubrie, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Clinton has been very active with his troop, participating in such Scout activities as Camp Geiger and Cosmosphere. Over the 8 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader and junior assistant scoutmaster. Clinton also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with the award of the Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Clinton constructed an ornamental garden and flower bed at the main entrance of Simpson Park in Chillicothe, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Clinton Paul Macoubrie 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 Ms. Amanda Bennett, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part as a volunteer for synergy services' S.T.O.P. (Synergy Teen Outreach Program) Group.

Amanda was one of the founding members of S.T.O.P. who eagerly volunteered to be a part of Synergy's Youth Development Leadership Program. As a part of this important program, Amanda and other high school students have learned about Synergy's Mission to stop domestic violence and abuse and to help those that are in shelters. Among her many activities with the organization, Amanda has organized cookie decorating nights for the Children's Center, free haircuts for teens at the emergency shelter, and taking small children from the shelter to toy stores and dinner. Her accomplishments have had a profound effect on those who are in great need.

Most recently, Amanda received the National Network Youth Leadership Award. As the only youth to receive this prestigious award at the National Symposium Conference, I would like to commend Amanda on her sincere dedication to Synergy Services'. She is an excellent example of someone who is using their passion, motivation and skills to make their community a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ms. Amanda Bennett for her many important contributions to Synergy Services, her community and the 6th District of Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Andy and Dana Kapp, two hard-working constituents from my district.

Mr. and Mrs. Kapp are State winners of the Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award. This prestigious award is to honor those young farmers who are facing many challenges as they begin their career in agriculture.

A native of Clarksdale, Missouri, Mr. Kapp graduated with a degree in agriculture from the University of Missouri in 1990. Andy started farming full-time three years later. The Kapps are fourth generation family farmers and have more than 2,000 acres of row crops.

Mrs. Kapp works hard to serve the people as a pediatric nurse practitioner. Dana is also involved in several community activities.

As a former recipient of the Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmer Award, I understand the importance of having young men and women return to the farm to carry on the family tradition. It is the dedication and commitment these young farmers have to pursue the dream of our ancestors, and to carry that dream forward into the next century of agriculture development.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask that you join me in commending Andy and Dana Kapp for their outstanding leadership and contribution to the agriculture community, as well as extending to them our very best wishes for continued success.