E200 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 12, 2015 Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in son, Daniel Swaim, Jeff Lyles, Gary Wilson, and tireless efforts in promoting justice, civil commending Cole Michael Kostelac for his ac- Vencent Lee, David Higginbotham, Matt rights and mutual understanding among the complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- Goode, and Lorenza Thomas; the Ball Boys Minnesota Islamic community and all peoples ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the include Paxton Keeling, Trent Higginbotham, of faith. As Co-Founder and Executive Director highest distinction of Eagle Scout. Jalynn Washington, LaZavion Thomas, and of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on Is- f Benito Sanchez. And, of course, if a school lamic American Relations (CAIR) Mrs. Saroya and school district is not committed to its ath- has been at the forefront of building coalitions HONORING THE WASKOM HIGH letic program and all the life lessons it pro- SCHOOL WILDCATS, 2014 3–A, DIV and improving Muslim relations across the vides, the team does not have the opportunity state. II STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS to excel. So thanks and congratulations go to the School Principal Andy Chilcoat and his Mrs. Saroya was raised in Bloomfield, Iowa. HON. LOUIE GOHMERT staff, as well as Superintendent Jimmy E. Cox She received her undergraduate degree from OF TEXAS and all of his staff. St. Catherine University and her Juris Doctor IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES It is with great pride that I join with the citi- from Hamline University. As a child of the only Thursday, February 12, 2015 zens of Waskom, as well as the entire First Muslims in a small town she and her family District of Texas, in congratulating the were subject to messages of hate and unfair Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, it is a great Waskom Wildcats on their first State Cham- treatment. She took these early life experi- honor to recognize today the outstanding sea- pionship and their impressive season. This ences and turned them into positive actions. son of the Waskom Wildcats football team, outstanding accomplishment is now preserved While still in high school Mrs. Saroya orga- who completed the season by capturing the in the United States CONGRESSIONAL RECORD nized the Iowa Conference on Islam at the title of 2014 Class 3A Division II Texas State which will endure as long as there is a United University of Iowa. Champions for the first time in the entirety of States of America. Recognizing a lack of Muslim civil rights ad- Waskom’s history. f The championship series proved difficult for vocacy groups in Minnesota she decided to fill the Wildcats, but it was not a difficulty that HONORING UNIVERSITY OF OR- the void. In 2007, she co-founded the Min- these skilled and devoted athletes could not EGON PROFESSOR DAVID FRANK nesota chapter of CAIR. The organization has overcome. In the State semi-final game, the quickly become a powerful voice for Muslim Wildcats trailed the Sonora Broncos until the HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO civil liberties and advocacy across the state. third quarter, when their defense held the OF OREGON CAIR–MN successfully fought for and won the Broncos back while their offense prevailed IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES establishment of the Abu Huraira Islamic Cen- with a final score of 25–21 to win the game Thursday, February 12, 2015 ter in St. Anthony, MN despite misguided local and usher them into the state championship Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to opposition. CAIR–MN asked the Justice De- title game. partment to investigate, which led to a nego- After the scoreless first quarter of the state recognize University of Oregon (UO) Professor tiated agreement with the city and the opening title game, the tenacious Waskom Wildcats David Frank. In his 32 year career at the UO, of a magnificent new center for gatherings and scored their first touchdown to take the lead Professor Frank has taught, mentored, and in- over the Newton Eagles, but the Eagles bat- spired generations of students. He has shaped prayer. In 2014, Mrs. Saroya along with mem- tled back to take an 8–7 lead. In an amazing the study of speech and debate as the dean bers of CAIR–MN led the first ever Jewish- show of resilience and ability, just fifteen sec- of the Robert D. Clark Honors Program at the Muslim Youth Day at the Minnesota Legisla- onds later, the Wildcats ran the ball 88 yards UO and as the longtime director of the UO ture. This ground breaking interfaith program to score a touchdown and take the lead once Forensics Program. For his exemplary work trains students on successfully engaging in again. From that play on, the Wildcats only in- and for his leadership, the UO college debate dialogue with legislators on the pressing creased their lead. Scoring six touchdowns tournament has been renamed the David issues of racial profiling, immigration, and safe and running 350 total yards of offense, the Frank Tournament of Scholars. schools. CAIR–MN has become the go-to Wildcats ended an extraordinary and vic- Professor Frank is renowned for his wit, rhe- legal source for those in the Muslim commu- torious game with a final score of 41–22. torical flair, and passion for the principles of nity. Since 2007 the organization has provided The Wildcats are a perfect representation of debate. He is the recipient of five teaching hundreds of Muslims with free legal aid and what can be accomplished when a team pos- awards, including three university wide rec- has become a driving force in fighting unlawful ognitions and a career achievement award in sesses both perseverance and resolve with discrimination and bullying in work, schools, forensics. He has overseen the UO Forensics proper guidance from the coaching staff. Al- and the public sphere. though the Wildcats suffered a loss during the Program since 1981, which won three national CAIR–MN’s outstanding work has been rec- first game of their season, their determination championships and international recognition, remained steadfast, and they recovered to end with a team competing in the semifinal round ognized time and time again on the state and the season with a stellar record of 13–2. at the 2006 World Universities Championship national level. Among some of the organiza- The exceptional athletes who comprise this in Dublin, Ireland. tion’s many awards include the ‘‘Nonprofit Mis- team of champions are Kevin Johnson, As a University of Oregon graduate, it is my sion and Excellence Anti-Racism Award’’ from Keileon Johnson, Trace Carter, Jaire Jackson, pleasure to highlight the outstanding accom- the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and the Junebug Johnson, Kaleb Haynes, Eric Ste- plishments of Professor Frank. I am also ‘‘Pro Bono Difference Maker Award’’ from the phens III, Pedro Rodriguez, Lucas Norton, proud to note that Oregon forensics dates to American Bar Association. It is through Cullum Ditmore, Dylan Harkrider, Jake Gillard, the founding of the university in 1876. One of achievements such as these that Mrs. Saroya Chan Amie, Mike Reason, Kyle Kyker, Dillon the very first intercollegiate debates in Amer- became the recipient of the prestigious Bush Benton, Michael Jaeger, Kyle McInnis, Hernan ica occurred in 1891 between Oregon and Wil- Foundation Fellowship for $100,000 in 2014. Rico, Victor Tapia, John Lumpkin, Tony lamette University. The style of debate now This fellowship stands as a testament and a known as policy cross-examination was devel- Ratcliff, Morgan Browning, Jose Chavarria, capstone to the truly amazing work that Ms. Kyle Adams, Brandon Latham, Logan O’Con- oped at the University of Oregon in the 1930s. The UO hosts the first David Frank Tour- Saroya did in her time as Executive Director. nor, Christian Smith, Jack Smith, Dylan Pow- nament of Scholars later this month, an honor Through this grant she will be able to take ell, Jeremy D’Agostino, Hunter Johnson, Professor Frank so richly merits. even greater leaps in her advocacy work. Jacob Bennett, Dylan Hudson, Matt Norris, Bradley Cochran, Ty Carter, Jason Jinks, Tay f Thanks to Ms. Saroya’s outstanding efforts and hard work, CAIR–MN has immensely ben- Green, Vicente Segura, and Matt Padron. HONORING LORI SAROYA The athletic staff and faculty who led the efited the Muslim community in Minnesota. I Wildcats to victory must be congratulated, be- HON. KEITH ELLISON applaud Ms. Saroya’s extraordinary work in cause no team, no matter how talented and advancing the civil rights of the Muslim com- OF MINNESOTA committed can rise to the pinnacle of being munity and fostering a more vibrant and cul- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES State Champions without proper direction, cor- turally understanding Minnesota. On behalf of rection, and motivation. Led by Head Coach & Thursday, February 12, 2015 the people of Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional Athletic Director Whitney Keeling, the Coach- Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to District, I wish you continued success and im- ing Staff includes Jeremy Kubiak, Greg Pear- recognize Lori Saroya for her contributions pact in your future advocacy work.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:07 Feb 13, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12FE8.002 E12FEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS February 12, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E201 COMMEMORATING THE LIVES OF BUFFALO STATE WOMEN’S Mid-Manhattan Branch, Jazzmobile, Inc., ISIL’S VICTIMS BASKETBALL Masjid Malcolm Shabazz Mosque, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, HON. DIANA DeGETTE HON. BRIAN HIGGINS United Clergy Caucus, Mobilizing Preachers OF NEW YORK and Community (MPAC), Clergy With a Pur- OF COLORADO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pose and Community, United Baptist Mis- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sionary Association, Baptist Ministers’ Con- Thursday, February 12, 2015 Thursday, February 12, 2015 ference of New York & Vicinity, Faison Fire- Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to house Theatre, New Heritage Theater Group, Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize three outstanding members of the Impact Reparatory Theatre, Manna House, condemn the horrific ongoing brutality of ISIL senior class at Buffalo State College, Hillary The Falu Foundation, The Caribbean Cultural and mourn the senseless loss of life in the Kollar, Olivia Luciani, and Ashley Wallace. As Center, The Pan-Hellenic Council of New Middle East. members of the Buffalo State women’s bas- York, The Mama Foundation, and Gospel for Just yeterday, the United States confirmed ketball team, these students are known as Teens. the death of Kayla Mueller, the fourth Amer- leaders among their peers and teammates. I Throughout Black History Month, we cele- ican to die while a hostage of ISIL. Ms. commend these young women for their dedi- brate the contributions of Blacks in every facet Mueller had dedicated her young life to serv- cation to academics and athletics and con- of our society: Jackie Robinson of the Brook- ing the struggling people of Syria as they en- gratulate them on the completion of their col- lyn Dodgers and Bill Russell of the Boston dure a civil war and violence from many sides. lege careers. Celtics redefined sports and helped propel the In recent weeks, we have also learned of Hillary Kollar played for Buffalo State as a civil rights movement; Supreme Court Justice the murder of two Japanese citizens, Kenji Guard and majored in Fashion Merchandising. Thurgood Marshall and Rep. Shirley Chisholm Goto and Haruna Yukawa, and Jordanian Air Hillary comes from Johnstown, New York left an indelible mark in government, Louis Force Pilot Lt. Muath Al-Kaseasbeh. These where she attended Johnstown High School. Armstrong and Langston Hughes influenced most recent casualties join American, British, A graduate of East Syracuse Minoa High generations of musicians and poets. And civil and Russian captives as victims of ISIL’s de- School in Syracuse, New York, Olivia Luciani rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, ranged ideology. All these victims, and their studied Public Communication while at Buffalo Jr. and my dear friend Rep. JOHN LEWIS for- families, will be in our thoughts and prayers. State and also played as a Guard for the bas- ever changed the course of our nation. As co-chair of the Congressional Study ketball team. As we mark the 50th Anniversary of the his- Group on Japan, I was especially appalled Ashley Wallace comes from Lockport, New toric march from Selma to Montgomery, we that ISIL executed the Japanese captives in York and attended Starpoint High School. pay tribute to our leaders who fought tirelessly response to Japan pledging non-military aid to Ashley was a Forward who majored in Child- for our rights and the artists who commu- support the victims of ISIL’s terror. Millions of hood Education at Buffalo State. Balancing the nicated the feelings of generations of Black Iraqi and Syrian refugees are in desperate responsibilities demanded of student athletes Americans. Today, the rallying call of Black need of assistance, and I applaud Japan for is a true challenge, and each of these stu- Lives Matter has regenerated a new move- standing with the United States and a coalition dents handled the test with dignity and grace. ment of young social activists such as The of nations committed to confronting ISIL’s bar- As an alumnus of Buffalo State, I will be proud Justice League NYC as the struggle continues barity. to call them fellow alumni. to raise awareness for justice and equality The continued murder of foreign captives Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing my throughout urban America. Let us honor the and the ongoing atrocities committed against colleagues to join me in recognizing these ex- memory of the great men and women who tens of thousands of Iraqis and Syrians are a traordinary Buffalo State Bengals and in con- paved the path of Black culture and achieve- stark reminder that we cannot allow ISIL to gratulating them as they obtain their under- ment and commit to preserving our history by continue unchecked. Instead, as international graduate degrees. Their dedication and drive striving to build on their legacy. community we must remain united in our re- will propel them to success, and I wish them f solve to stop this evil and help work toward a all the best in their future endeavors. CONGRATULATING KARL KILDOW stable, peaceful Middle East. f BLACK HISTORY MONTH f HON. DAVID G. VALADAO OF CALIFORNIA HONORING CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GRAVES OF NEW YORK Thursday, February 12, 2015 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to HON. SAM GRAVES Thursday, February 12, 2015 congratulate Karl Kildow on his retirement OF MISSOURI Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, in February, our after 38 years of working in the education in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nation commemorates the significant mile- dustry as both an educator and an advocate. Thursday, February 12, 2015 stones in Black History as we pay homage to Mr. Kildow was born in San Diego, Cali- the individuals who shaped America’s history. fornia and spent his youth in San Diego and Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I I am proud that many of the great Black lead- Tustin, California. After completing his high proudly pause to recognize Christopher Mi- ers and movements in our history came from school education, Mr. Kildow attended Cali- chael Graves. Christopher is a very special Harlem. As the epicenter of the Black cultural fornia State University Fullerton, where he re- young man who has exemplified the finest movement of the 1920s known as the Harlem ceived a degree in Social Science. qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- Renaissance, the historic neighborhood was After college, Mr. Kildow dedicated his life to ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- home to luminaries such as James Baldwin, the noble profession of teaching. His first ica, Troop 351, and earning the most pres- Madame C.J. Walker, and Duke Ellington. Re- teaching job was at Needles High School in tigious award of Eagle Scout. cently, many great political leaders have called Needles, California. While there, he taught Christopher has been very active with his Harlem home, including David Dinkins, Basil English, mathematics, history, and physical troop, participating in many scout activities. Paterson, and Percy Sutton. Our congres- education and coached the school’s basketball Over the many years Christopher has been in- sional district continues to be a bastion of team. In addition launching his career as an volved with scouting, he has not only earned Black social, political, and artistic develop- educator in Needles, he also met his wife numerous merit badges, but also the respect ment. Sandy there. of his family, peers, and community. Most no- I am fortunate to have many excellent orga- Mr. Kildow settled in Visalia where he taught tably, Christopher has contributed to his com- nizations in the District that promote Black cul- at Divisidero Middle School, Mt. Whitney High munity through his Eagle Scout project. ture, history, and advancement. Our rich herit- School, and Redwood High School teaching Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in age is preserved through the efforts of The English, for 1 year, 18 years, and 8 years, re- commending Christopher Michael Graves for Link’s Incorporated, 100 Black Men of New spectively. During this time period he received his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of York, Coalition of 100 Black Women, Harlem an English credential and got involved in the America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- Mothers SAVE, New York Urban League, Visalia Unified Teachers Association (VUTA) ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. NAACP New York State Conference, NAACP and the National Educators Association (NEA).

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:07 Feb 13, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K12FE8.013 E12FEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS