Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dr. Dennis Fisher on his retirement as the Superintendent of the Park Hill School District in Kansas City, Missouri.

Dr. Fisher started his career in education as a Junior High Social Studies teacher in Papillion, Nebraska. He also served as the interim Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent for Business Services at the Liberty School District in Liberty, Missouri. He began his time at Park Hill in 1999 as the Assistant Superintendent for Business Services before becoming Superintendent in 2005. Dr. Fisher has a total of 36 years of experience in education.

Under Dr. Fisher's leadership, the Park Hill School District has achieved many awards. They became the first school district ever to receive the Missouri Quality Award and continues to receive the Distinction in Performance Award from the State of Missouri each year. Park Hill is one of the highest-achieving districts in the state, but Dr. Fisher has still pushed for continuous improvement through the years.

Dr. Fisher has received many acclamations personally also. In 2011, he was named the Missouri Superintendent of the Year and received the Pierce Award, the Missouri Association of School Administrators' highest honor. In 2005, Dr. Fisher received the Missouri School Business Official of the Year award.

He leads not only 10,292 students, 1,400 staff members, and an annual operating budget of $120 million, but also many organizations of his peers. He has served as President of the Missouri Association of School Business Officials, the Kansas City Association of School Business Officials, and the Greater Kansas City Administrators Association. He is also very dedicated to helping the community and has served on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Securities Investment Program, Synergy Services Inc, the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Platte County Economic Development Council, and the Parkville Economic Development Council.

I have had the honor of working with Dr. Fisher over the last few years and have seen first hand his dedication to the education and development of students in the Park Hill School District. His commitment to the students, staff, and community is all-encompassing.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating Dr. Fisher on his retirement and in wishing him the best of luck in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joe Lyle for his distinguished service to the Savannah Rural Fire Protection District in Missouri. Joe is one of the founding board members for the district, and has served 32 years as the board's chairman.

During Joe's tenure as chairman, the district has overseen the construction of three new fire houses and purchased numerous fire trucks and fire equipment. The district has also acquired top of the line safety equipment to assist in the protection of the residents of the district. Joe's leadership and vision have been instrumental to the district's efforts to expand service and protection to the community. Joe has also been heavily involved in organizing fire protection services to the communities surrounding the City of Savannah.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Joe Lyle, a dedicated volunteer, whose service to the Savannah Rural Fire Protection District is to be commended. I wish to congratulate Joe on his contributions accomplishments and I am honored to serve him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Josh Hurlbert for his dedicated service over the past three years as a member of my staff. Josh will be leaving my staff to pursue his dream of serving the people of Missouri in elected office.

Josh has been an invaluable part of my office. His was the first voice that many constituents heard when they called my office. Josh gave them the information they asked for whether it was information about a bill, a way to contact a government agency or if the latest email going around was true. He also worked with the people of Clinton, Caldwell and Daviess Counties to make sure their voices were heard in Washington.

Josh also cheerfully took on additional office duties or tasks without being asked. His professionalism and dedication to serving my constituents was a great example of how government should work.

While I am losing a valuable member of my team, I am excited for Josh to begin the next chapter of his career in public service. He knows that the best way to truly represent someone is to listen to their ideas and their concerns. Josh will be a voice for common sense and limited government the rest of his life.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Josh Hurlbert for his service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I, and the rest of my staff, wish him success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kevin Kopp. Kevin 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 1412, and 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 31 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Kevin served as his troop's Patrol Leader and Bugler. Kevin also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Kevin restored a walking trail around St. Luke's Northland Hospital in Smithville, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kevin Kopp 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 Timothy M. Matthews. Tim 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 28, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Tim has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Tim has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Tim contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Tim planned and constructed a flag pole for all veterans of the United States military and to honor their service and sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Timothy M. Matthews 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 Todd Matthew Calton. Todd 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 397, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Todd has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Todd has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned 53 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Todd is a member of the Order of the Arrow and earned the rank of Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Todd has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Todd built an outdoor volleyball court at Kearney Bible Church in Kearney, Missouri, a project that took Todd and his team of volunteers 340 hours to complete. Todd also plans on serve our country in the United States Marine Corps beginning in September 2012.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Todd Matthew Calton 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 Robert James Zink. Robert 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 38, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Robert James Zink 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 R. Cook. Matthew 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 180, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Matthew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Matthew has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Matthew has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew R. Cook 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 Kyle A. Deters.

Kyle 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 180, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kyle has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Kyle has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kyle A. Deters 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 Connor S. Thomas. Connor 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 180, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Connor has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Connor has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Connor has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Connor S. Thomas 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 Evan Jonathan Linard. Evan 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 247, and 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. Most notably, Evan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Evan Jonathan Linard 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 Dean Nolting. Stephen 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 247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Stephen has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Stephen has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Stephen has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Stephen Dean Nolting 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 Jeffrey Joseph Duer, Junior. Jeffrey 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 180, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jeffrey has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jeffrey has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Jeffrey has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jeffrey Joseph Duer, Junior 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 Kyle Ewing. Kyle 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 714, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kyle has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned 38 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Kyle has served in many leadership roles within his unit, most notably as Senior Patrol Leader. Kyle has also contributed to his community by rehabilitating the parking lot and painting the community room of Dearborn Retirement Community in Dearborn, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kyle Ewing 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 Carrollton Area Chamber of Commerce and to congratulate them on their 100th anniversary.

Since its founding in 1912, the Chamber has been an effective advocate for Carrollton and Carroll County. Now numbering 160 members, the Chamber remains committed to leading the way for economic development and promoting small businesses throughout the Carrollton region.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the Carrollton Area Chamber of Commerce for their accomplishments over the past 100 years and in looking forward to the years to come.