E2422 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 14, 2007 Company. He later joined the law firm of Brad- than 97,000 public schools in the United cultural groups that have flocked to Florida for ley Arant Rose & White, where he became a States, just 287 schools were recognized with the last several generations are German partner. He then joined the firm formerly this distinct honor. Americans, many from my former State of known as Lange, Simpson, Robinson & Som- In the State of Illinois, 19 schools were New York. On Sunday, November 18, 2007, erville and was a partner for over 35 years be- members of this elite group. The Blue Ribbon the German American Club of Spring Hill, fore retiring in 2004. School Award recognizes what we all know: Florida will celebrate its 25th anniversary with John Grenier’s true passion was politics, a the Link faculty and staff are some of the best a dinner and dance extravaganza. passion that changed the course of and brightest in the Nation. The club, founded in 1982, was organized politics. He began his political career as chair- With the motto ‘‘to think, to learn, to achieve by Friedel Rohn, along with Christa and Fritz man of the Jefferson County Young Repub- and to care,’’ Link has shown steady aca- Neumann. The first social meeting was held at licans. In this capacity, he organized a political demic progress and achieved exceptionally the home of Friedel Rohn in January 1982 rally in Birmingham in 1960 for Richard Nixon. high test scores. In awarding the 2006–2007 with 10 people present. The first ‘‘official’’ John Grenier organized the modern day Blue Ribbon School Award, the U.S. Depart- meeting was held in June 1982 with 22 mem- and served as the ment of Education recognized Link’s success bers present. Today there are nearly 300 state chairman in 1962. He joined the Gold- in helping students consistently achieve at members and the club is still growing strong. water for President Campaign and organized very high levels, as well as its continued com- The first officers installed were Friedel Rohn the delegates to the Republican National Con- mitment to narrowing the achievement gap. as president, Margarethe Grabert as vice- vention in San Francisco. John Grenier was As we strive to educate our current genera- president, Norman Armonat as treasurer and the Southern Regional Director for the cam- tion of children and prepare our nation’s future Ruth Hughes as secretary. By March of 1983, paign when Senator Goldwater swept many of leaders, Link Elementary School stands out as the membership had increased to 60 mem- the southern states, including Alabama, in his a shining example of scholastic and institu- bers. The club began hosting many functions bid for President. tional excellence. and socials throughout the year, including its In 1966, Mr. Grenier was the Republican I am proud to represent Link Elementary own Oktoberfest. As the years passed, more nominee against Democratic U.S. Senator School in the United States Congress and I dances and social events were added to the . Even though he lost that look forward to their continued achievements. calendar and the membership continued to in- race, John fared better than most previous Madam Speaker and Distinguished Col- crease. Republicans in what was then a heavily leagues please join me in congratulating the In 1992, when the club celebrated its 10th Democratic state. talented students and dedicated faculty and anniversary, the club had grown to over 170 In 1986, John served as the campaign man- staff of Link Elementary School for receiving members. In 2002, the club’s 20th anniversary ager for Guy Hunt’s successful bid to become the Blue Ribbon School Award. was celebrated with a membership that had the first Republican governor of Alabama f increased to over 235. Today the 25th anni- since Reconstruction. He served as Governor versary will feature 285 members, with room Hunt’s chief of staff and later managed Gov- PERSONAL EXPLANATION to grow for the future. Having attended several ernor Hunt’s successful bid for reelection. of their club functions, I can tell you that Ger- Madam Speaker, John Grenier was a polit- HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS man American Club members stayed true to ical leader, strategist and visionary. He loved OF ARIZONA their roots and know how to cook a delicious life and lived it to the fullest, and his passing IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES schnitzel and dance to a great polka tune. marks a tremendous loss for all of Alabama. Wednesday, November 14, 2007 Madam Speaker, over the past 25 years the He will be deeply missed by many, most espe- German American Club of Spring Hill has cially his wife, Stella Kontos Grenier; his son, Mr. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, on No- worked to uphold the German culture, spirit, John Beaulieu Grenier; his daughter-in-law, vember 7, 2007, I missed four votes. Had I tradition and heritage. The club’s members Joy Grenier; his sister, Rosemary Grenier been present that evening, I would have voted and officers have made Spring Hill and Rivet; his four grandchildren, John Beaulieu as follows: Hernando County a true home to German Grenier, Jr., Dorothy Monnish Grenier, Evans ‘‘No’’ on the Motion to Recommit H.R. 3685, Americans from around the world, and are to Barlow Grenier, and Carolyn Youmans the Employment Non-Discrimination Act be commended for their commitment and Grenier; as well as countless friends he leaves (ENDA)—vote No. 1056. dedication. With the continued support of their behind. ‘‘Yea’’ on final passage of H.R. 3685, the membership and officers, I look forward to Our thoughts and prayers are with them all Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)— help the club celebrate their next 25 years. at this difficult time. vote No. 1057. f ‘‘Yea’’ on the motion to suspend the rules f and pass H. Con. Res. 236, Recognizing the HONORING LINK ELEMENTARY close relationship between the United States INTRODUCING THE AIRPORT SECU- SCHOOL and the Republic of San Marino—vote No. RITY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2007 1058 HON. PETER J. ROSKAM ‘‘Yea’’ on the motion to suspend the rules HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK OF ILLINOIS and pass H. Res. 801: Providing for consider- OF ILLINOIS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ation of the bill (H.R. 3688) to implement the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agree- Wednesday, November 14, 2007 Wednesday, November 14, 2007 ment—vote No. 1059. Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today f Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, last week, we to congratulate Link Elementary School of Elk learned that more than 30 illegal aliens gained Grove Village, Illinois, for being named a No RECOGNIZES THE GERMAN AMER- access to the most sensitive areas at O’Hare Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School for the ICAN CLUB OF SPRING HILL, Airport. 2006–2007 school year. Principal Barbara FLORIDA ON THEIR 25TH ANNI- Without valid Social Security numbers, ille- Schremser, Link faculty, students and par- VERSARY gal aliens were given official badges to access ents—you should be very proud of this re- the tarmac and the airplanes. markable accomplishment. HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE This is not the first time. It’s happened be- At a time in our Nation’s history when the OF FLORIDA fore at airports around the country. efficacy of our education system is often ques- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Congress must set Federal standards tioned, it is a great comfort to see a school for those who seek access to an airport’s most that truly commits itself to finding ways to Wednesday, November 14, 2007 sensitive areas. teach our children and provide hope for our Ms. GINNEY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. You should be a U.S. national or legal per- Nation’s future. Madam Speaker, the Fifth District of Florida manent resident. The No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon that I represent is made up of people from You should possess a valid Social Security Schools Award is a distinction given to the around the United States and the world. With number that actually belongs to you. public schools throughout the country whose perfect weather, low taxes and friendly resi- You should have that Social Security num- students score within the top 10 percent on dents, it is one of the fastest growing areas of ber verified through the E-Verify employer state assessments. This year, of the more the country. As you might expect, one of the verification system.

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