E920 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 2, 2020 the 2020 Congressional Art Competition. Due recorded in Harris County records in 1852. come. I stand here today to thank Dr. Atkins to the coronavirus, this year’s competition was This could explain why Mary Wilson became for her contributions to the world, and I wish held remotely. The theme of this year’s art- Mary W. Jackson. her family peace during these difficult times. The 186-year-old headstone is one of the work focused on the Indian River Lagoon. oldest marked headstones in Harris County She will be greatly missed. This year a total of thirty-one students from and Deer Park’s oldest artifact. The histor- f high schools across the Space and Treasure ical marker reflects the history of Deer Coasts submitted artwork—all very talented Park, as well as the history of Texas. The CONGRATULATING HOLLEY DEAN students with creative and imaginative pieces. historical marker presents a glimpse of ordi- Three finalists were chosen, and two entries nary people in Texas in the 1830’s and com- HON. EARL L. ‘‘BUDDY’’ CARTER were also selected for special recognition. memorates these early Deer Park settlers. OF GEORGIA This year’s winning piece, titled ‘‘The Prom- As a former member of the Texas Historical IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ise’’ by Michael Spears of Master’s Academy Commission, I know that this is a great honor Friday, October 2, 2020 will be displayed in the United States Capitol for the community. I wish all of my friends in in Washington, D.C. His teacher is Gerry Deer Park well as they celebrate the dedica- Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, Geary. tion on October 20th. I rise today to congratulate Holley Dean of Sa- The runners up included: Adam Hicks of f vannah, Georgia, for being named to Forbes’ West Shore Jr./Sr. High for ‘‘Mosquito’’ earned America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors List the Third Place Award. His teacher is James HONORING DR. BETTINA ‘‘TINA’’ for 2020. Finch. Rain Perlman of Merritt Island High for ATKINS Ms. Dean is remarkably one of ten women ‘‘At the Beach’’ earned the Second Place who were selected from a pool of 32,000 Award. Her teacher is Lara Klopp. HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ nominations. This year the judges also selected two OF TEXAS Top advisors across the country were nomi- pieces of art for Special Recognition. Krystal IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nated by their firms and then researched, interviewed, and assigned a ranking within Reither of Merritt Island High earned a Special Friday, October 2, 2020 Recognition for her piece ‘‘Lagoon Panoply’’. their respective states. Her teacher is Lara Klopp. Kevin Olson of In- Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, Service models, investing process, client re- dian River Charter High School also earned a I rise today to honor Dr. Bettina ‘‘Tina’’ Atkins, tention, experience levels, review of compli- Special Recognition for his piece ‘‘Goo La- a pioneer in education who passed away on ance records, and firm nominations are some goon’’. His teacher is Amelia Strazzulla. Saturday, August 22, 2020, at the age of 61. of many factors considered. I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Dr. Bettina ‘‘Tina’’ Atkins was born in Des The decision is also based on quantitative Representatives to join me in congratulating Moines, Iowa, later moving to South Texas as criteria, such as assets under management these fine students for their creative efforts a teenager. She graduated from McAllen High and revenue generated for their firms. and saluting all students across the United School in 1977 and earned a Bachelor of Arts Holley currently serves as a financial advi- States who accepted the challenge to partici- Degree with Honors in Communication from sor for Stifel, which is a diversified global pate in this year’s Congressional Art Competi- the University of Texas, Pan American (UTPA) wealth management and investment banking tion. in 1981, now the University of Texas Rio company. f Grande Valley (UTRGV). Her hard work and dedication throughout Dr. Atkins went on to earn a Masters De- the years has clearly paid off, and she de- RECOGNIZING THE EARLY DEER gree in Educational Leadership at UTPA in serves to be honored and celebrated for this PARK SETTLERS TEXAS HISTOR- 1993 and a Ph.D. in Organization Leadership amazing accomplishment. ICAL MONUMENT DEDICATION from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2015. I wish her the best of luck in the years to She shared her love of and commitment to come. HON. BRIAN BABIN lifelong learning with thousands of children in f OF TEXAS South Texas. RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVER- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Dr. Atkins’ dedication to educational equality made her one of the most influential women in SARY OF THE MIDDLERIDGE Friday, October 2, 2020 South Texas in the field of higher education. COMMUNITY OF FAIRFAX COUN- Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to Dr. Atkins spent 24 years with Region One, an TY recognize the dedication of the Deer Park organization that assists school districts im- Early Settlers Texas State Historical Marker in prove student performance and implement ini- HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY Deer Park, Harris County, Texas. The text of tiatives assigned by the state legislature or OF VIRGINIA marker reads as follows: education commissioner. During her tenure IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In 1928, Shell Oil Company purchased land with Region One, Dr. Atkins helped bring the in Deer Park, Texas for a new petrochemical first GEAR-UP grant to South Texas in 1999. Friday, October 2, 2020 refinery. Surveyors discovered a marble These grants are designed to provide more Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to headstone broken into four pieces. Shell re- low-income students with the tools and re- recognize the 50th anniversary of the assembled the headstone and maintained the sources needed to succeed in postsecondary Middleridge community. area as an actual gravesite. In 1976, Shell Located in the heart of Fairfax County and was given permission from the Texas Histor- education. ical Commission, as well as the Harris Coun- Eventually, Dr. Atkins became the Director the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, ty attorney and Harris County judge to relo- of several GEAR-UP grants, helping over Middleridge is a tight-knit community and the cate the marker and disinter any remains. In 25,000 students and their families reach post- land on which it is built is steeped in history. March of 1977, the marble headstone and a secondary education, changing their lives for- The very name of Middleridge was derived small cement casket, from the original site, ever. Dr. Atkins also helped launch Project from a 1766 decision of the Vestry of Truro were moved to Dow Park in the City of Deer Heal2, which supports students who are inter- Parish, including George Washington and Park. ested in pursuing a nursing degree in high Colonel George William Fairfax, to establish The inscription on the headstone gave the name of two siblings, Mary W. Jackson and school through college. Dr. Atkins’ accomplish- the new Payne’s Church at the ‘‘middle Ridge’’ William Wilson. These early settlers died in ments do not stop there, but I would like to of Ox Road. 1834. William Wilson purchased land in the take a moment to talk about her love for her On July 17, 1970 the grand opening of Sec- early 1830’s and built a cabin on the bank of family. tion 1 Middleridge, consisting of 39 lots, was the Buffalo Bayou with his wife and children. Dr. Atkins achieved all these incredible feats announced in The Evening Star. It was adver- This was adjacent to what became the site of while being the ‘‘happy coordinator’’ for her tised by the developer as being in ‘‘the best of the Battle of San Jacinto that secured family and her friends. She was a proud sister, Virginian tradition.’’ ‘‘Surrounded by the rich Texas’ independence from Mexico in 1836. aunt, and daughter. She emanated joy and history of the county, its homes radiate with William Wilson also owned land near the set- tlement of Crosby. Humphrey Jackson, one positive energy everywhere she went. old charm and aristocratic character.’’ Today of the ‘‘Old 300’’ settlers, owned land near the Madam Speaker, Dr. Bettina ‘‘Tina’’ Atkins the community consists of 578 homes situated Wilson property in Crosby. It was presumed was an incredible leader and a shining light for on approximately ninety-five acres and boasts that Mary W. Jackson was somehow associ- South Texas. Her accomplishments will cer- amenities including a lake, large park, basket- ated with Humphrey, based on a judgement tainly be remembered for generations to ball and tennis courts, and swimming pool. VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:08 Oct 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A02OC8.012 E02OCPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with REMARKS October 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E921 The all-volunteer Middleridge Civic Associa- Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask you to rise tinue to rest in peace, and may his legacy pre- tion was formed in 1973. The civic association with me in honor of Mr. Charles Reeder, Jr. vail eternally. promotes an exceptionally strong sense of He will be profoundly missed, but his memory community that greets new residents with lives on in his family. f open arms, providing welcoming gifts to the f newest neighbors. The Civic Association co- MALCOM BLAIR ‘‘MAL’’ WHITE ordinates regular stream clean-ups and CELEBRATING JUSTICE RUTH awards annual scholarships to high school BADER GINSBURG HON.