[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 73 (Thursday, May 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATING RYAN MROWKA OF DUNKIRK, NEW YORK ON HIS MANY 
                            ACCOMPLISHMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JACK QUINN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2003

  Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of 
my constituent, Ryan Mrowka, of Dunkirk, New York.
  Ryan graduated valedictorian from Dunkirk High School in 1999. He 
earned an Army ROTC scholarship to Boston College and will graduate 
Magna Cum Laude this Monday, May 19, 2003.
  Beyond his academic success, Ryan deserves recognition for his 
capable leadership and commitment to public service. He complemented 
his opportunities at Boston College with a generous spirit of 
involvement in campus ministry. His numerous activities included 
retreat planning and volunteer teaching at a local juvenile detention 
center. He also organized and led student trips to build homes in 
Appalachia and to help an orphanage in Honduras.
  As an ROTC student, Ryan served as Cadet Battalion Commander; 
qualified as a basic parachutist at Airborne School; placed in the top 
tier of the ``Ranger Challenge'' military skills competition; and 
interned in the Pentagon to research the Army Transformation Plan. He 
completed the four-year education and training program in the top 20 
percent of all U.S. Cadets, earning the prestigious ``ROTC 
Distinguished Military Student'' recognition and the ``Boston College 
President's Award for Outstanding Cadet''.
  This Sunday, May 18, 2003, Ryan will be commissioned as Second 
Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps. At only 22 years old, he will 
answer the courageous call to active duty this September 2003 as an 
officer in the U.S. Army.
  Fittingly enough, Ryan plans to follow his four-year commitment to 
the Army with a career teaching social studies. He was recently 
inducted into the Phi Lambda Theta International Honor Society, the 
professional association in education, and the Golden Key National 
Collegiate Honor Society. Not only has he demonstrated the scholastic 
aptitude necessary to become an exceptional educator, but the natural 
potential to truly connect with, and inspire, young minds.
  Mr. Speaker, college graduates like Ryan Mrowka epitomize the 
character and integrity of the people of Western New York. I commend 
him for his commitment to serve those less fortunate; willingness to 
protect our freedom; and dedication to educate future generations.

                          ____________________