[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF THOMAS J. ROOT ON HIS APPOINTMENT TO ATTEND 
                   THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2000

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to an 
outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am 
happy to announce that Thomas J. Root of Norwalk, Ohio has been offered 
an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West 
Point, New York.
  Mr. Speaker, TJ's offer of appointment poises him to attend the 
United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class 
of 2004. Attending one of our nation's military academies is an 
invaluable experience that offers a world-class education and demands 
the very best that these young men and women have to offer. Truly, it 
is one of the most challenging and rewarding undertakings of their 
lives.
  TJ brings a special mix of leadership, service, and dedication to the 
incoming class of West Point cadets. While attending Norwalk High 
School, TJ has attained an astounding grade point average of 4.329, 
which places him fourth in his class of one hundred fifty-three 
students. TJ is a member of the National Honor Society, Principal's 
List, and was Captain of the Academic Challenge Team. Additionally, TJ 
placed fifth in the state on the Ohio Test of Scholastic Achievement 
Pre-Calculus exam. TJ was twice presented with the Huron County 
American Legion Award for his academic accomplishments.
  Outisde the classroom, TJ has distinguished himself as an excellent 
student-athlete. On the fields of competition, TJ has earned letters in 
Varsity Football and Wrestling. TJ was also named Captain of both the 
Football and Wrestling teams. TJ has also been active in the Norwalk 
High School Key Club and with his church youth group.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to stand and join me in paying 
special tribute to Thomas J. Root. Our service academic offer the 
finest education and military training available anywhere in the world. 
I am sure that TJ will do very well during his career at West Point and 
I wish him the very best in all of his future endeavors.

                          ____________________