April 12, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E431 United States House of Representatives join sional Youth Advisory Council, Congress has Representative Leitch’s steadfast work to me in congratulating Sara on receiving this es- taken initiatives to seek the opinions and improve the lives of citizens throughout our teemed designation, thanking those at Busi- analyze the lives of individuals on a small great state embodies the manner in which scale. Through similar programs of commu- ness Record for their great work, and wishing nity outreach and developing the next gen- progress can be made for the greater good each member of the 2016 Forty Under 40 eration, Congress has made great effort to and citizens of Illinois. Rep. Leitch epitomizes class a long and successful career. reign in this challenge. the standard for which current—and future— f f public servants should strive to emulate to help improve lives within our communities. ESSAY BY INGRID WU RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBU- It is with great honor that I have had the TIONS OF ILLINOIS REPRESENT- ability to call Representative Leitch not only a ATIVE DAVID LEITCH HON. PETE OLSON colleague but also a friend for many years. I OF TEXAS want to congratulate him on his tireless advo- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. DARIN LaHOOD cacy for the mental health community and his OF ILLINOIS Tuesday, April 12, 2016 dedicated service to the State of Illinois. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to Tuesday, April 12, 2016 interact with some of the brightest students in f Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to the 22nd Congressional District who serve on HONORING MIA WILLIAMS 2016 my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I honor Illinois State Representative David Leitch for his tireless contributions and dedica- WASHINGTON STATE MIDDLE have gained much by listening to the high LEVEL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR school students who are the future of this tion to public service in the State of Illinois. great nation. They provide important insight Representative David Leitch, State Rep- resentative of the 73rd House District of Illinois from across the political spectrum that sheds and a resident of the 18th Congressional Dis- HON. ADAM SMITH a light on the concerns of our younger con- trict, has dedicated nearly three decades serv- OF WASHINGTON stituents. Giving voice to their priorities will ing his constituents in the Illinois General As- hopefully instill a better sense of the impor- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sembly. His top-notch commitment to pro- tance of being an active participant in the po- viding timely and effective constituent service Tuesday, April 12, 2016 litical process. Many of the students have writ- to citizens has remained steadfast since he ten short essays on a variety of topics and I Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I was sworn into office 27 years ago. rise to honor Mia Williams, the principal of Aki am pleased to share them with my House col- Representative Leitch has built a statewide Kurose Middle School, who has been recog- leagues. reputation, establishing himself as a leader in nized as the winner of the prestigious 2016 Ingrid Wu attends Clements High School in matters pertaining to our health care system Sugar Land, Texas. The essay topic is: What and especially mental health care in Illinois. Washington State Middle Level Principal of the makes the political process in Congress so A primary focus of his work has been advo- Year Award. challenging? cacy for establishing a strong community- The Washington State Middle Level Prin- One of the most challenging aspects of based mental health system in our state. He cipal of the Year Award, given by the Associa- Congress is developing efficient communica- convened providers beginning 15 years ago to tion of Washington School Principals (AWSP), tion. In our current political bill making form the Central Illinois Coalition for Mental recognizes middle school principals who have process, as bills are passed along, discussed, an extraordinary impact on their students’ aca- voted, and decided on like a game of tele- Health Recovery. Among its accomplishments phone. It may lose momentum and the vigor are a Mental Health Court, a psychiatric resi- demic success and who make great contribu- of one bill at the beginning of its life cycle dency at the University of Illinois-College of tions to their profession. Ms. Williams stood wanes as time passes and it gets reviewed Medicine in Peoria, and a Crisis Center de- out among a field of other highly eligible can- and revised over and over. Of course, when it signed to divert at-risk individuals to treatment didates. comes to dealing with the laws of the coun- rather than emergency rooms or jail. Most re- Ms. Williams has been the principal at Aki try, everything should be reviewed with cently, he passed legislation enabling college Kurose Middle School in Rainier Beach since scrutiny; however, maintaining the life be- students to allow their family to be notified in 2008. Since that time, she has worked tire- hind a bill is also important and a hard job the event they are struggling with depression of Congress. lessly to ensure the success of her students Additionally, Congress is also met with dif- or suicidal thoughts and legislation which im- by listening to their needs and adjusting policy ficulties regarding opposing opinions. In our proves the inclusion of mental health services and procedures based on their recommenda- current era, politics is something that is in- for older adults into primary care health set- tions. Under Ms. Williams’ leadership, test creasingly gaining popularity. We see it on tings. His outstanding advocacy on mental scores have consistently improved across the TV talk shows, highway billboards, school health and substance abuse issues has not board for Aki Kurose students and continue to posters, and even on daily consumer prod- gone unrecognized with accolades from the improve due to her persistence and continued ucts. With America’s two major parties—Re- Heartland Health Services, a federally des- publicans and Democrats—having such a pro- dedication to her students. Since her arrival at ignated community health organization in Cen- Aki Kurose, the student population has grown found influence on the opinions of society tral Illinois, commending his life’s work in the and, thus, politics, much is hindered. For ex- from 420 students to 700 students. At the ample, just recently, Congress was met with improvement of public health policy and his re- same time, Ms. Williams has overseen a 50 the challenge of repealing the Affordable ceipt of the statewide President’s Award from percent reduction in student absenteeism and Care Act and, through this, the clash of the Community Behavioral Healthcare Asso- has made progress on closing the opportunity ideals and beliefs caused the process to be in ciation. gap. She has carefully cultivated an environ- Outside of his advocacy on issues regarding a standstill. Visibly, the repeated efforts of ment where students feel supported and capa- Congress went to vain. In recent years, the mental health recovery, Rep. Leitch is credited ble of reaching their full potential. number of bills passed has been continuously with passing the first state law in the nation re- decreasing. Compromising both sides of the quiring insurance coverage for mammograms, Ms. Williams was a teacher in the Seattle political spectrum and creating a bill to en- he passed the first state law in the nation al- School District before completing the Danforth compass the beliefs if both sides is a nec- lowing for the collection of cord blood stem Educational Leadership Program at the Uni- essary and difficult responsibility of Con- cells, he secured funding for the expansion of versity of Washington to pursue her dream of gress. One reason why such a situation is serving as a principal. Her skills were recently happening may be partially due to either the the Illinois Central College campus in East Pe- processes and weight of Congressional action oria and arranged the acquisition of the ICC recognized by the Johns Hopkins University’s but also the unwillingness of both branches North campus in Peoria after the closure of Everyone Graduates Center, who invited Ms. and the party backing the majority of both Zeller Mental Health Center. Illinois Central Williams to the White House to participate in the cede in some areas and the lack of con- College named the David R. Leitch Career a panel where she shared her knowledge straints, especially time constraints. Center in honor of his dedication to the com- about effective strategies to reduce chronic Finally, another challenge of Congress is absenteeism. to understand the people’s wants and needs, munity college. Nationally, he has received the for understanding these subjects is a way to Dr. Nathan Davis Award as State Legislator of Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rec- foresee which ways politics should lean and the Year in the U.S. by the American Medical ognize principal Mia Williams for earning the what exactly needs to be done. Through Association as well as over 75 other legislator Washington State Middle Level Principal of the many different facets, even the Congres- of the year (or equivalent) awards. Year Award. She is an inspiration to all.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:47 Apr 13, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP8.094 E12APPT1 smartinez on DSK9F6TC42PROD with REMARKS E432 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 12, 2016 RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL lege of marriage to couples that are not the to better both her community and the great COLLEGIATE HONORS COUNCIL traditional ‘‘male and female’’ couples. Mar- state of Iowa. I ask that my colleagues in the riage offers a promise of love and commit- United States House of Representatives join ment within couples and through the legal- HON. LOIS FRANKEL ization of same-sex marriage, couples of the me in congratulating Sophia on receiving this OF FLORIDA same-sex are able to give the same commit- esteemed designation, thanking those at Busi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment and love that traditional male and fe- ness Record for their great work, and wishing male couples are able to give. The legaliza- each member of the 2016 Forty Under 40 Tuesday, April 12, 2016 tion of same-sex marriage in the United class a long and successful career. Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I States also represents acceptance and equal- f rise today to congratulate the National Colle- ity to those in the LGBTQ community by of- giate Honors Council on their 50th anniver- fering these people the same civil rights as FOURTH DISTRICT OF COLORADO sary. The National Collegiate Honors Council other citizens in the country have. By giving DELEGATES AT THE CONGRESS this fundamental freedom to couples of the serves over 325,000 honors scholars at over OF FUTURE SCIENCE AND TECH- same-sex, the United States is able to offer NOLOGY LEADERS 800 colleges and universities, including equality to all couples regardless of gender Broward College in my district. Created in or sexual orientation. 1982, Broward College’s Robert Elmore Hon- The legalization of same-sex marriage has HON. KEN BUCK ors Institute supports over 1,200 honor stu- also changed our country by normalizing and OF COLORADO bringing acceptance to those of the LGBTQ dents annually. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Sixteen students from the college have community. By allowing people in the been awarded the prestigious Jack Kent LGBTQ community to marry, the United Tuesday, April 12, 2016 States fosters a sense of acceptance to these Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, people who are sometimes treated with dis- the second highest total in the Nation. Many of respect and contempt. Through accepting ognize nine high school students from the these scholarship recipients have gone on to same-sex marriage, the United States ac- fourth district of Colorado, who have been be successful thinkers, working for companies cepts those in the LGBTQ community which chosen to represent the state of Colorado as such as Facebook. is a step towards the equality for all people delegates at the Congress of Future Science In the words of founding director Dr. Mary and has had momentous impacts on the and Technology Leaders. The students are Jo Henderson, ‘‘The essential worth of our United States. By legalizing same-sex mar- Christine Evans of Lyons Middle-Senior High honors programs is not resulting scholarship riage, the United States moves one step clos- School, Benjamin Gryboski of Dayspring or award but the experience itself’’. I com- er to equality for all people, regardless of Christian Academy, Brandon Lelievre of Wind- gender or orientation, and offers a beacon of mend Broward College and the National Colle- hope to those in the LGBTQ community and sor High School, Alessandra Linero of Chap- giate Honors Council for creating an experi- a means for acceptance. arral High School, Crystal Pike of Valley High School, Courtney Ross of Yuma High School, ence that cultivates the leaders of tomorrow. f f Hannah Spain of Douglas County High TRIBUTE TO SOPHIA S. AHMAD School, Sara Stavaski of Rock Canyon High ESSAY BY EMILY JUE School, and Hanna Storey of Douglas County HON. DAVID YOUNG High School. HON. PETE OLSON OF IOWA The Congress of Future Science and Tech- OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nology Leaders is an honors program that rec- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ognizes exceptional high school students who Tuesday, April 12, 2016 Tuesday, April 12, 2016 are pursuing careers as engineers, scientists, Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise or technologists. Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to today to recognize and congratulate Sophia S. These students are the future leaders of the interact with some of the brightest students in Ahmad for being named a 2016 Forty Under STEM fields and our country. Through their the 22nd Congressional District who serve on 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa studies, they have embodied the meaning of my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I publication, Business Record. hard work and perseverance to achieve their have gained much by listening to the high Since 2000, Business Record has under- goals, and will advance science and tech- school students who are the future of this taken an exhaustive annual review to identify nology for future generations. great nation. They provide important insight a standout group of young leaders in the Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to recognize from across the political spectrum that sheds Greater Des Moines Area that are making an these nine students for their hard work and a light on the concerns of our younger con- impact in their communities and their careers. service to their community. I wish them luck in stituents. Giving voice to their priorities will Each year, forty up-and-coming community their future endeavors. hopefully instill a better sense of the impor- and business leaders under 40 years of age f tance of being an active participant in the po- are selected for this prestigious honor based litical process. Many of the students have writ- on a combined criteria of community involve- HONORING CARR’S STEAKHOUSE ten short essays on a variety of topics and I ment and success in their chosen career field. am pleased to share them with my House col- The 2016 class of Forty Under 40 honorees HON. ED WHITFIELD leagues. will join an impressive roster of 640 business OF KENTUCKY Emily Jue attends Clear Springs High leaders and growing. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES School in League City, Texas. The essay topic Sophia is the vice president of public rela- is: Select an important event that has occurred tions at the Greater Des Moines Partnership Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the past year and explain how that event and works tirelessly to develop and promote Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today has changed/shaped our country. the overall image of Central Iowa. Her work to honor Carr’s Steakhouse in Mayfield, Ken- An important event that occurred this past proves that Central Iowa is a perfect place to tucky, on receiving the National Restaurant year was the legalization of same-sex mar- build a business, career, and a family. Sophia Association’s ‘‘Restaurant Neighbor Award.’’ riage throughout the country. Thousands of is among the most dedicated leaders in the This award was established to honor res- Americans gathered in Washington D.C. to taurants in the field of outstanding community hear the ruling of the Supreme Court on community. She has volunteered her time to same-sex marriage. On June 26, 2015 the Su- the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s service and involvement. Carr’s Steakhouse is preme Court declared through a vote of 5–4 Curriculum Committee, Winefest Des Moines’ among four national winners to receive this that all Americans would be able to marry Grand Cru, Couture for a Cause, and a num- award during a gala dinner tonight here in nationwide, no matter their gender or sexual ber of other local volunteer organizations. Not Washington, D.C. orientation. This ruling made the United only does Sophia dedicate herself to her work Though the Carr family has had extensive States the twenty-first country to legalize and her community, in her spare time she ties to the community through their BBQ busi- same-sex marriage and specifically affected likes to play piano, because she’s a profes- ness in town for more than 60 years, Carr’s thirteen states that had a ban on same-sex Steakhouse is only six years old but already marriage. This momentous event brought a sionally trained classical pianist. new civil right to the United States and a Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to rep- has an impressive record of giving back. The victory to gay rights advocates. resent leaders like Sophia in the United States restaurant hosts an All-Kids-In event that The legalization of same-sex marriage has Congress and it is with great pride that I rec- raises funds to assist children enrolling in changed our country by offering the privi- ognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents youth sports and activities, regardless of a

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