E30 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 18, 2012 RECOGNIZING 2011–2012 FULBRIGHT overjoyed that they have been granted such a American way of life.’’ These men and women GRANTEES JULIA BAILEY, GREG- prestigious and coveted opportunity to study have gone into harm’s way time and time ORY DE ST. MAURICE, JAY and work abroad. again to preserve peace and ensure their fel- EVICK AND SETH PACKRONE f low citizens of the Commonwealth are kept safe. Members of the Virginia Guard also have RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVER- a proud history of public service to the nation HON. MARK S. CRITZ SARY OF BENET ACADEMY OF PENNSYLVANIA at large, including five Virginia Guard officers IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES who later went on to become U.S. Presidents: HON. PETER J. ROSKAM George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Wednesday, January 18, 2012 OF ILLINOIS James Madison, James Monroe, and John Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tyler. four intelligent and accomplished students More recently, the brave men and women of Wednesday, January 18, 2012 from my district for receiving one of the the Virginia Guard have again selflessly an- world’s most competitive, merit-based grants Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to swered the call to duty. Since the terrorist at- to perform research in a foreign country. Since commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Benet tacks on September 11, 2001, over 14,000 1946, the Fulbright program has been fos- Academy, a Catholic Benedictine college pre- Virginia soldiers have been deployed across tering cross-cultural understanding and schol- paratory high school located in Lisle, Illinois. the world to protect our country. The enor- arly excellence by sending some of the world’s On March 2, 2012, Benet will celebrate its mous sacrifice of these soldiers and their fami- brightest minds abroad to undertake innova- Founder’s Day, representing 125 years of lies is something for which we will forever be tive research projects. Julia Bailey of Latrobe, dedication to academic excellence and Chris- grateful for. PA, Gregory De St. Maurice, also of Latrobe, tian morality. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Jay Evick of Waynesburg, PA, and Seth Benet Academy was founded in 1887 on the the sacrifice and service of all past and Packrone of Uniontown, PA, each received a Benedictine motto ‘‘Ora et Labora,’’ ‘‘Pray and present Virginia Guardsmen as we celebrate Fulbright grant for the 2011–2012 academic Work.’’ Generation upon generation of the 400 years of courage and bravery in pro- year. They were given this honor on account Academy’s devoted faculty and promising stu- tecting the Commonwealth of Virginia and our of their outstanding leadership skills, excep- dents have upheld this motto in a tradition that country. tional academic credentials and penetrating in- carries back 1,500 years to the Order of Saint f terest in foreign cultures. Benedict. Julia Bailey was awarded a Fulbright-Nehru I applaud Benet Academy’s commitment to THE PALMER CENTER English Teaching Assistantship. She is cur- nurturing an atmosphere of prayer, work, and rently a graduate student at George Mason stability among its student body. Its distinctive HON. SAM GRAVES University, where she studies international de- qualities draw students from six counties, in- OF MISSOURI velopment in Africa, as well as social anthro- cluding many in Illinois’ Sixth Congressional IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pology. She has a wealth of education policy District. Benet Academy has helped students Wednesday, January 18, 2012 and classroom teaching expertise, having per- consistently achieve at rigorous academic lev- Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I formed a significant amount of research to els while instilling the Benedictine core values proudly pause to recognize The Palmer Cen- promote education in the developing world, of community, hospitality, respect, stewardship ter of Missouri’s Sixth District. The Palmer and taught English in the United States and and love of learning. Center is being honored by The National Insti- Egypt. Her worldliness, intellect and wide- On this special occasion, we recognize tute for Senior Centers for meeting and ex- ranging experience make her well-suited to Benet Academy’s rich history and faithfulness ceeding the NISC standards of accreditation. to God. We thank the Academy for its partner- serve as an ambassador for American culture Of the 11,000 senior centers in the country, ship with parents, who strive to educate the and scholarship abroad. only 126 senior centers are able to achieve Gregory De St. Maurice was given a grant current generation that will become our na- accreditation. The Palmer Center is one of to study Anthropology in Japan. He is cur- tion’s future leaders. For well over a century, only two sites in all of Missouri to earn that rently working toward a Ph.D. in Cultural An- Benet Academy has contributed toward this lofty distinction. Throughout the year-long thropology at the University of Pittsburgh. At brighter future. process to receive the accreditation, the NISC present, his research focuses on the food cul- Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, noted the Palmers Center’s innovative partner- ture of the city of Kyoto. Gregory’s in-depth please join me in honoring the legacy of Benet ships with various organizations and busi- understanding of the people and traditions of Academy, and in wishing them continued suc- nesses throughout the community, it’s dy- Japan is laudable and will serve him well in cess. namic health and fitness programs, and The his future studies. f Palmer Center’s exceptionally organized and Jay Evick received a grant to serve as an professionally operated senior program. The English teaching assistant at the Tyumen RECOGNIZING THE VIRGINIA NA- NISC also made special note of the most im- State University of Oil and Gas in Tyumen, TIONAL GUARD’S 400 YEARS OF portant strength of The Palmer Center, it’s Russia. He has spent the last four years SERVICE TO THE COMMON- committed and dedicated volunteer staff. studying Russian and linguistics at the Univer- WEALTH OF VIRGINIA Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in sity of Pittsburgh. Jay’s ability to grasp the in- recognizing The Palmer Center located in the tricacies of Eastern European culture and HON. ERIC CANTOR Sixth District of Missouri. It is an amazing complexities of the Russian language is a tes- OF VIRGINIA place with an outstanding group of people tament to his tremendous scholarly abilities. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dedicated to making a daily impact on the Seth Packrone was awarded a teaching proud seniors in Independence, MO and the assistantship at Inonu University in Malatya, Wednesday, January 18, 2012 whole of the Sixth District. I am honored to Turkey. Seth’s passion is education reform. In Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to represent The Palmer Center in the United the summer of 2007, he interned with Advo- recognize the selfless service of the Virginia States Congress. cates for Children, a nonprofit that works to National Guard, which is now celebrating 400 promote access to quality education for low-in- years of service to the Commonwealth of Vir- f come, minority and special needs students. ginia and our nation. IN MEMORY OF DOROTHY ‘‘DOT’’ Seth has also been the recipient of an Arthur With its roots dating back to the Jamestown HALL FOWLER SHEFFEY Liman Public Interest Law Fellowship. As a Colony in the early 1600s, the Virginia Guard Liman Fellow, he researched and developed has established itself as one of the oldest in- HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH stitutions of our nation’s armed forces. From education policy with the Center for Law and OF VIRGINIA protecting the colonies during the earliest days Education in Washington, DC. Seth’s unwav- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ering desire to unlock the potential of young of the Commonwealth to its role in the Revolu- students everywhere speaks to his inherent tionary War, the Virginia Guard was an essen- Wednesday, January 18, 2012 selflessness and kindness. tial force in the inception of our great nation. Mr. GRIFFITH of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. Speaker, these four individuals possess For over four centuries, Virginia’s guards- submit these remarks in memory of Dorothy an exemplary work ethic, profound intelligence men have come from all walks of life and vol- ‘‘Dot’’ Hall Fowler Sheffey, a devoted wife, sis- and a precociously broad worldview. I am unteered to be ‘‘a guardian of freedom and the ter, mother, grandmother, and community

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:43 Jan 19, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A18JA8.004 E18JAPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS January 18, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E31 leader from Southwest Virginia. Dot left us on con and Chairman of his church, Odell has Mike has a philosophy to help as many people January 9, 2012. been highly involved in many church projects, as possible and lives his life in service to oth- Born on September 6, 1926, Dot was an ac- including the founding of Somerset Christian ers, regardless of their status in life. tive member of the Pulaski County community. School. In light of all Mike has done for the commu- Dot lived by the philosophy, ‘‘You get out of Odell was a man of service and dedication nity of Corona, the Greater Corona Valley anything what you put into it.’’ This philosophy to his community and in 2010, he was hon- Chamber of Commerce named Mike their Cit- was evident through her service in a number ored by the Somerset-Pulaski County Cham- izen of the Year. Mike’s tireless passion for of local groups and the awards she received. ber of Commerce with the highest honor for community service has contributed immensely In 1984, she was named Pulaski County those who have made significant contributions to the betterment of the community of Corona, Woman of the year. She also received the to the community, the ‘‘Distinguished Commu- California. He has been the heart and soul of Gerry Atkinson Community Service Award. nity Service Award.’’ many community organizations and events Dot was involved with local Girl Scout and Odell Merrick leaves behind a devoted fam- and I am proud to call him a fellow community Cub Scout groups, the PTA, Band Boosters, ily: his loving wife of more than 53 years, member, American and friend. I know that the Fairlawn Fire Department, and was a long- Nancy Routt Merrick; their children, Steve many community members are grateful for his time member of the Pulaski County Repub- Merrick and Debbie Eades of Somerset, KY, service and I join them in saluting him as he lican Women. She served as a member of the along with four sisters and grandchildren. On receives this prestigious award. Radford University Advisory Board on Voca- behalf of my wife Cynthia and myself, I want tional Education, the Advisory Committee for to extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to f Marketing Curriculum at New River Commu- the Merrick family. HONORING GERALD ROPER nity College, the American Cancer Society, f and the American Red Cross Board. Dot was also an election officer in Pulaski County and TRIBUTE TO GREATER CORONA HON. MIKE QUIGLEY an active member of Mountain View United VALLEY CHAMBER OF COM- OF ILLINOIS Methodist Church. MERCE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MIKE ZELLER Dot leaves behind her husband, Donald; Wednesday, January 18, 2012 daughter and son-in-law, Alice Fowler and Butch Buford; son and daughter-in-law, Dennis HON. KEN CALVERT Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, on January 25, 2012 longtime civic leader Gerald Roper will James and Eva Fowler; brother, Calvin Dexter OF CALIFORNIA receive honors for his commitment to greening Hall; sister, Ester Soper; sister-in-law, Thelma IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and beautifying Chicago, as well as improving Hall; stepdaughters and their spouses, Wednesday, January 18, 2012 Rhonda and Phil Moser, and Sandra Kay and the region’s business and entrepreneurial Brandon Clabes; stepson, Donald Keith Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to communities. Sheffey; as well as four grandchildren, one honor and pay tribute to an individual whose A founding member of Chicago Gateway great-granddaughter, and four step-grand- dedication and contributions to the community Green Committee, Jerry’s commitment to children. of Corona, California are exceptional. Corona beautifying Chicago over the past 25 years Dot impacted the lives of many through her has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedi- can be seen all across our city. As Chairman, work in Pulaski County. She never wanted to cated community leaders who willingly and un- Jerry oversaw the planting of 57,000 shrubs, be in the spotlight. Instead, she pushed others selfishly give their time and talent and make 53,000 perennials, and 2,050 trees and the re- to become leaders in the community and was their communities a better place to live and moval of more than one million pounds of litter content to stay in the background. She had a work. Mike Zeller is one of these individuals. from Chicago’s expressways. He was instru- positive attitude and was always there with On January 21, 2012, Mike will receive a pres- mental in the installation of numerous sculp- words of encouragement or advice. I had the tigious honor when the Greater Corona Valley tures at Chicago’s beautiful landmarks and honor of knowing Dot for many years. I am Chamber of Commerce names him the 2011 has helped make our hometown a place trav- honored to pay tribute to this great woman’s Citizen of the Year at the organization’s an- elers from around the world want to visit and many contributions. Her legacy and influence nual awards and installation gala at the Eagle admire. will be long remembered in Pulaski County Glen Golf Club. Under Jerry’s leadership as President and and throughout Southwest Virginia. Mike began his career as an educator but Chief Executive Officer of the Chicagoland 30 years ago he decided to make a change Chamber of Commerce for more than 18 f and open a life insurance business through years, the Chamber earned a 5-star accredita- TRIBUTE TO ODELL MERRICK Primerica. Mike’s business offers clients op- tion by the United States Chamber of Com- tions to purchase insurance, from term to life, merce for its sound policies, effective organi- HON. HAROLD ROGERS and anything in between. Another component zational procedures, and positive impact on OF KENTUCKY unique to his business is the marketing and the region’s business climate. The award is given to only the top five percent of all cham- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES structure of Primerica. Mike has been honored by Primerica often, and was again on January bers in the country. Wednesday, January 18, 2012 15 as he celebrates 30 years of providing Jerry demonstrates the meaning of a true Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I service to his clients. public servant. In 2000 he formed the rise today to pay tribute to the late Odell In addition to his business acumen, Mike Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, an affil- Merrick, a successful Kentucky businessman has also lived a compassionate and giving life. iate of the Chamber of Commerce. The Cen- and longtime community leader of Pulaski Twenty years ago, his son Chad was fatally ter’s contributions features the innovative County, Kentucky. His passing is a great loss injured on a bicycle ride. Both he and his wife Bridge Program that connects emerging com- to his family, his community, and to me per- Nancee refused to let this tragedy define their panies to establish Chicago area firms to their sonally. lives and in honor of Chad they formed a mutual benefit, as well as the Illinois Innova- As the Co-Founder and CEO of Cumberland foundation, called the Chad Zeller Memorial. tion Accelerator Fund that bolsters access to Wood & Chair, Co-Owner of Somerset Wood The foundation has held annual consecutive venture capital. Products, and Director of Citizens National walks/runs to ensure public safety—giving A founding member of the National Busi- Bank, Odell Merrick has left behind a legacy thousands of helmets to children of all ages. ness Leaders for Transportation, Jerry is an of successful business ventures. Throughout the many years that Mike has outspoken voice for the aviation and rapid In 1985, Odell founded Somerset Wood been a member of the Greater Corona Valley transit industries. He also participates actively Products, alongside his son, Steve Merrick, Chamber, Mike has been involved and sup- in several civic and industry organizations, which grew over the years to become a na- ported the Chamber financially in sponsor- serving as Chairman of the President’s Advi- tionally-recognized manufacturer of hardwood ships and door prizes. Every year, he is quick sory Council for Harold Washington College, flooring. Odell remained a co-owner with the to recognize the Chamber for its involvement for example. company up until his death last November. with the Chad Zeller Memorial Walk/Run Jerry’s passion and commitment to the City In addition to his many successful business events. of Chicago is beyond compare. On this day, ventures, Odell was a highly active member of In addition to the Greater Corona Valley we thank Jerry for his outstanding service to his church, where he taught Sunday school for Chamber of Commerce, Mike is involved with our greater community and look forward to his more than 30 years. Serving as both a Dea- service clubs and multitude of other charities. future contributions.

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