April 5, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E463 HONORING THE LIFE OF SHERIFF women, and featured in 1873 an opera per- last season as well, and was All-SEC Second BOB VASS formance by the first African-American opera team in her first two years in the program. We company in the U.S., as well as the establish- wish her a speedy recovery and hope that she HON. DOUG COLLINS ment of the first professional female string has as much success in the future as she has OF GEORGIA quartet in 1878. The Conservatory’s commit- had with the Gamecocks. The full roster of this championship team in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment to equal opportunity continues through our times: the Conservatory earned the 2015 cludes: Victoria Patrick, Bianca Cuevas- Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Commonwealth Award, Massachusetts’ high- Moore, Kaela Davis, Doniyah Cliney, Allisha Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I est honor in arts, humanities and sciences in Gray, Araion Bradshaw, Tiffany Davis, Mikiah rise today to recognize the courageous life of recognition of the school’s music programs for Herbert Harrigan, A’ja Wilson, Alexis Jennings, Bob Vass, who was a true public servant to students on the autism spectrum and with , and . the Hall County community. special needs. The Gamecocks finished 2017 with a 33–4 Mr. Vass was elected to be the sheriff of The Conservatory is the oldest per- record and won their third consecutive South- Hall County in 1992 and held that position for forming arts conservatory of its kind in the eastern Conference Championship en route to eight years before becoming a member of the United States. Its recent merger with the world this national championship. The Gamecocks State Board of Pardons and Parole. Our com- renowned Berklee College of Music, which have developed an incredible fan base. They munity will remember his dedication to the de- fosters unparalleled access to a broad range have led the nation in attendance for women’s partment and the citizens whom he served for of academic and creative opportunities for stu- over the last several years. In addi- years to come. dents in both schools, is a final example of the tion to their success on the court, these When he wasn’t enjoying his favorite meal forward looking, progressive approach that the coaches and players are role models off the at the Longstreet Cafe´, Sheriff Vass was con- Conservatory has always taken. court. tinuously telling his neighbors stories of his I thank the Boston Conservatory at I especially want to acknowledge Assistant time in law enforcement and his work for the Berklee’s faculty, students, administration and Coach Nikki McCray-Penson. Diagnosed with Georgia Olympic Games. During the Atlanta alumni for their dedication, commitment and cancer three years ago, she has been a real Olympics he was in charge of studying ter- positive impact they have had on American inspiration to many. Throughout her treatment rorism in preparation for welcoming the cen- performing arts. I also congratulate the school she remained totally committed to the team, tennial games to our great state. No matter on 150 years of service and wish them well as and never missed a day of work. Thankfully, the capacity, Bob’s contagious smile and great they continue their fine traditions. she is now cancer free. I also wish to congratulate the Gamecocks sense of humor made him a bright figure f around Hall County. Men’s team. After winning their first NCAA In addition to his work as a sheriff, he was CONGRATULATING THE UNIVER- tournament game in 43 years they reached a member of the Lanier Technical College Ad- SITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA the final four for the first time in their pro- visory Board, Edmonson-Telford Center for GAMECOCKS BASKETBALL gram’s history. Having both men and women Children, and the Boy Scouts of America TEAMS from the same school reach the Final Four is Board of Directors. In each of these roles, he pretty uncommon. worked selflessly to change the lives of hun- HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN Coach Frank Martin and his assistants and staff consisting of: Matt Figger, Perry Clark, dreds of individuals in the northeast Georgia OF SOUTH CAROLINA Bruce Shingler, Andy Assaley, Scott community. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Greenawalt, Doug Edwards, Mark Rodger, Jay Mr. Speaker, while we mourn the loss of Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Sheriff Vass, we celebrate his many contribu- Gibbons, Dushawn Davis, Jarett Gerald, Brian tions to our state and the life of service that Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to con- Steele, and Ryan McIntyre recruited and mold- he led. gratulate the University of South Carolina ed an incredible group of young men including TeMarcus Blanton, Tommy Corchiani, PJ f Gamecocks basketball team. It was the thrill of a lifetime to attend the NCAA women’s bas- Dozier, Rakym Felder, Hassani Gravett, THE BOSTON CONSERVATORY AT ketball national championship game last Sun- Khadim Gueye, Evan Hinson, Kory Holden, BERKLEE’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY day at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Jarrell Holliman, Sedee Keita, Maik Kotsar, Texas. The Gamecocks have electrified Co- Justin McKie, Duane Notice, John Ragin, HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO lumbia and the entire state of South Carolina, Christian Schmitt, Chris Silva, Sindarius OF MASSACHUSETTS and we are all incredibly proud of what these Thornwell, and Ran Tut. Although they came up five points short of a victory in the semi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES coaches and players have achieved. For Head Coach , winning the championship game they proved themselves a Wednesday, April 5, 2017 national championship is the latest in a string team of champions. Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to of achievements that she has accumulated in Mr. Speaker, although representing the Uni- recognize the Boston Conservatory at Berklee her lifetime and in South Carolina over the last versity of South Carolina in this august body on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary. The nine seasons. Under her leadership, the is a singular honor for me, I feel certain that Boston Conservatory, founded by violinist and Gamecocks have made the NCAA Tour- the 2017 NCAA Final Four appearances by composer Julius Eichberg in 1867, has a long nament six years in a row and went to the these young men and women are the begin- and rich history of educating undergraduate final four in 2015. This year, they finally got nings of many more to come. Coach Frank and graduate students in music, dance and over the hump and are national champions. Martin and Coach Dawn Staley are truly a dy- theater. The school has always set itself apart Her coaching staff, Lisa Boyer, Nikki McCray- namic duo. by the strength of its instructors and its distinc- Penson, Fred Chmiel, Melanie Balcomb, Cyn- f tive, multidisciplinary structure. Indeed, the thia Jordan, Freddy Ready, Ariana Moore, STACEY TEJADA-SANDOVAL Conservatory has trained generations of tal- Hudson Jacobs, Marcella Shorty, and Katie ented performing artists. Today, the school’s Fowler have done an impressive job, and I highly sought-after instructors are distin- congratulate each of them. HON. ED PERLMUTTER OF COLORADO guished artists and leading practitioners in The team Coach Staley has built is an in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES their fields, holding positions with the Boston credible group of young women from South Symphony and Boston Pops orchestras, the Carolina and around the country. A’ja Wilson, Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Ballet and a host a Junior from Hopkins, South Carolina, won Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise of other prominent local and national compa- the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four today to recognize and applaud Stacey nies. award and was named to the All-SEC First Tejada-Sandoval for receiving the Adams Founder Julius Eichberg was a former Con- Team this season. Wilson was joined on the County Mayors and Commissioners Youth servatoire of professor who immi- All-SEC First Team by Senior Alaina Coates Award. grated to the United States from , from Irmo, South Carolina. Unfortunately, Stacey Tejada-Sandoval is an 8th grader at who founded the Boston Conservatory as a Coates missed the NCAA tournament with an Shaw Heights Middle School and received this professional training academy and a commu- ankle injury and has concluded a fantastic ca- award because her determination and hard nity music school. It was one of the first con- reer with the Gamecocks. In addition to mak- work have allowed her to overcome adversi- servatories to admit African-Americans and ing All-SEC First team this year, she did so ties.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:50 Apr 06, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A05AP8.029 E05APPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E464 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 5, 2017 The dedication demonstrated by Stacey with autistic children. Though we have made I am fortunate to represent one of the larg- Tejada-Sandoval is exemplary of the type of great strides as a nation to improve services est Arab American communities in the country achievement that can be attained with hard and opportunities for peoples with disabilities, in Dearborn, Michigan. Dearborn is a diverse work and perseverance. It is essential stu- there are still improvements that can be made. blue-collar city that is home to a branch of the dents at all levels strive to make the most of ACT is dedicated to helping individuals and world-class University of Michigan and an their education and develop a work ethic parents find resources, support, and training iconic American auto company in Ford Motor which will guide them for the rest of their lives. while making diligent strides to increase the Company, and the Arab American community I extend my deepest congratulations to awareness of autism spectrum disorders and continues to play a key role in their successes Stacey Tejada-Sandoval for winning the advocating for effective services and the and other endeavors in the city. These hard- Adams County Mayors and Commissioners unique needs of individuals with autism and working individuals exemplify the values that Youth Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit their families. make America great, and we must continue to the same dedication and character in all of her During the month of April, I also encourage recognize the heritage and contributions of the future accomplishments. those throughout the Guam community and Arab American community to the United f the nation to participate and pledge to ‘‘Light States. During Arab American Heritage Month, It Up Blue.’’ Individuals and organizations can it is my hope that the contributions of Arab TRIBUTE TO JUDY LOONAN show their support by asking friends, family, Americans throughout the country will be and colleagues to wear blue or accessorize given the recognition and acclaim that they HON. DAVID YOUNG with blue; light up homes and businesses with deserve. OF IOWA blue lights and decorations; and turn social Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES media pictures blue. These are just small acts in honoring the Arab American community and Wednesday, April 5, 2017 that we can do as a community to show our their accomplishments during Arab American support for autism awareness and acceptance. Heritage Month. Their positive impact on the Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise Additionally, I commend Autism Community United States’ civic life is deserving of recogni- today to recognize and congratulate Judy Together as it hosts the 10th Annual Autism tion. Loonan, of Loonan Stock Farm in Corning, Awareness Fair ‘‘Acceptance in Action’’ to co- f Iowa, for being named Iowa’s Seedstock Pro- incide with World Autism Day. The Autism ducer of the Year. Awareness Fair is the largest outreach event HONORING 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF This award is sponsored by the Iowa Beef hosted by ACT throughout the year and brings THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF Breeds Council and was presented at the together government agencies, non-profit or- SURETY BONDS Iowa Beef Expo Kick-Off Program. This award ganizations, service providers, support ven- is given to honor outstanding cattle producers dors with the intent to provide information and HON. SAM GRAVES in the seedstock industry. Judy has been in resources on the various disability related pro- OF MISSOURI the cattle business for 42 years, raising Red grams and services available on Guam. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Angus, Simmental and Red SimAngus Cattle. On behalf of the people of Guam, I thank Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Mr. Speaker, the example set by Judy dem- the Autism Community Together organization onstrates the rewards of hard-work and deter- and all government agencies and community Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I mination. Her efforts embody the Iowa spirit partners for their assistance to spread autism rise today to recognize the 75th Anniversary of and I am honored to represent her, and awareness and acceptance. I join ACT in the National Association of Surety Bond Pro- Iowans like her, in the United States Con- pledging to light up the island of Guam blue ducers (NASBP). Formed in 1942, NASBP is gress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the throughout the month of April and look forward a national trade organization representing United States House of Representatives join to their future contributions in opening more firms employing licensed surety bond pro- me in congratulating Judy for her achieve- opportunities to those in our community living ducers and allied professionals. NASBP pro- ments and in wishing her nothing but contin- with autism. ducers specialize in providing surety bonds for ued success. f construction contracts and for other purposes f to companies and individuals needing the as- IN RECOGNITION OF THE ARAB surance offered by surety bonds. The NASBP RECOGNIZING AND JOINING AU- AMERICAN COMMUNITY DURING bond producer stands as the bridge between TISM COMMUNITY TOGETHER ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE the construction firm and the surety company (ACT) IN CELEBRATING THE MONTH and works closely with the construction busi- MONTH OF APRIL AS AUTISM ness to position the business to meet under- AWARENESS MONTH HON. DEBBIE DINGELL writing requirements to obtain surety credit for OF MICHIGAN bonded work. Surety bonds are a time-hon- HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ored, vital component of federal and state pro- OF GUAM curement systems, where a furnished surety Wednesday, April 5, 2017 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bond evidences a contractor’s qualifications to Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Wednesday, April 5, 2017 undertake the contract sought and taxpayer recognize the Arab American community dur- funds are protected through the surety bond’s Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ing Arab American Heritage Month. Arab guarantee of performance. Mr. Speaker, I to recognize Guam’s Autism Community To- Americans embody the core values of our want to again extend my good wishes and gether (ACT) as they join Autism Speaks and country through their initiative, work ethic and recognize NASBP on its 75th Anniversary, and the international community in celebrating the dedication to faith and family, and their con- I encourage my colleagues in the House of month of April as Autism Awareness Month to tributions to the United States are worthy of Representatives to do the same. shine a light on autism. I also join the pledge commendation. f to ‘‘Light It Up Blue’’ throughout the month of April is widely recognized as Arab American April to support autism awareness and autism Heritage Month, and it is important that we ac- SPECIAL ENVOY TO COMBAT AND acceptance. knowledge the vital role that this community MONITOR ANTI-SEMITISM ACT World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) was plays in our country’s civic life. According to OF 2017 established by the United Nations in 2007 to the Arab American Institute, almost four million raise awareness of the issues surrounding Arab Americans live and work through the HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH people, particularly children with autism world- United States, with a variety of backgrounds OF NEW JERSEY wide. World Autism Awareness Day has since and cultures. These individuals have made IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES been commemorated throughout the world by vital contributions across a variety of fields, in- communities wearing blue. Autism Community cluding medicine, business and government. Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Together is Guam’s local organization leading Arab Americans represent individuals from all Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I the efforts to increase autism awareness and backgrounds and walks of life, and their family rise today to announce that I have introduced promoting World Autism Awareness Day. Au- values, strong work ethic, dedication to edu- the bipartisan Special Envoy to Monitor and tism Community Together is an organization cation, and diversity in faith and creed that Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2017 (H.R. based in Guam as a support group for families have added strength to our great democracy. 1911), along with my colleagues and lead

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