[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 92 (Monday, July 11, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE 2005 CONGRESSIONAL GOLD AWARD MEDAL WINNERS

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                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 11, 2005

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 13 winners of 
the Congressional Gold Award from the 22nd District of Florida. Each 
award winner has spent at least 2 years completing over 400 hours of 
community service, half of which is spent in personal development and 
physical fitness activities, including a four-night expedition.
  Ms. Alexandra Brady of Palm Beach Gardens has dedicated her time 
fundraising for two different cancer groups. One is her local Cancer 
Society, while the other is the ``Comfort Bag Project,'' a program that 
brings goody bags to young victims of cancer at St. Mary's Children's 
Hospital. In addition to these notable achievements, Alexandra has 
spent the last 4 years teaching in a local children's camp.
  Ms. Carolyn Cox of Palm Beach Gardens volunteers at the Jupiter 
Medical Center where she assists the hospital staff. Additionally, 
Carolyn has dedicated her free time to working on fundraisers to 
provide medical services for less privileged individuals. Her quest for 
personal development led her to Costa Rica for a 10-day trip in which 
she learned about the history and culture of the Pacific Coast area.
  Mr. Patrick Eucalitto of Palm Beach Gardens has volunteered with 
several national health organizations. Most notably, Patrick co-founded 
the Relay for Life Youth Council for the local American Cancer Society. 
In a pursuit to understand different cultures, Patrick has developed a 
fluent understanding of both Spanish and French. Additionally, Patrick 
has logged over 850 hours of training and racing time in competitive 
swimming.
  Ms. Regen Foley of Palm Beach Gardens has proven herself as a born 
leader through her efforts as the founder and coordinator of the 
``Comfort Bag Project'' at St. Mary's Children's Hospital. Furthermore, 
Regen spent time abroad in the Czech Republic, gaining an appreciation 
for the Czech culture while at the same time receiving a new 
understanding of her own national identity. Regen has also put in over 
300 hours as a starter for her school's JV basketball team.
  Ms. Elizabeth Folmar of Palm Beach Gardens has been involved with the 
Safe Harbor Rescue League, a shelter for mistreated dogs and cats, for 
the last 5 years. Additionally, Elizabeth volunteers at her local youth 
court serving as a lawyer. During her free time, Elizabeth has 
developed her nautical skills, navigating and skippering sailboats. 
This personal development activity has led her to plan a trip to the 
Outer Abaco islands of the Bahamas on her family sailboat.
  Ms. Courtney Kneip of Palm Beach Gardens spends her time after school 
volunteering for a local kindergarten teacher. Courtney has 
participated in several community fundraisers for medical research. 
Pursuing her love of music, Courtney achieved a superior rating at Solo 
and Ensemble for her flute performance of Sonata Number 5. Courtney has 
spent time in French Canada where she immersed herself in the language 
and culture.
  Mr. Kyle Lambrecht of Jupiter volunteers at his local Center for 
Information and Crisis Services and participates in a program that 
performs community outreach to the elderly. In addition, Kyle has 
auditioned for the All-State and Jazz Bands, performing both percussion 
and piano. Kyle is on both the varsity golf and tennis teams at his 
high school and he hopes to improve his skills in order to become one 
of the highest rated players.
  Ms. Robin Lucas of Palm Beach Gardens serves as a mentor for the Big 
Brother/Big Sister Program. Robin has spent her free time organizing 
and participating on a fundraising committee benefiting the Headstart 
Preschool. Robin has studied piano and taken weekly tennis lessons in 
order to advance to the upper intermediate level. Furthermore, Robin 
spent part of her time abroad, living with a local family in Mexico, 
learning Spanish and gaining an understanding of Mexican history and 
culture.
  Ms. Kerry O'Neil of Jupiter volunteered for her high school's Academy 
of Finance, tutoring her fellow students in mathematics and finance. 
Kerry also spends her time working in the school yearbook office. 
Additionally, she competes in both lacrosse and swimming, earning 
Junior Olympic-level times in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle event. 
Kerry also planned a 10-day exploration to Italy where she learned 
about Italian culture.
  Mr. Matthew Puchferran of Boca Raton coordinated the Nation's largest 
youth-led National Day of Prayer Teen Freedom Rally in 2004. Matthew 
organized over 1,600 teens and their families in order to hold prayer 
for the Nation's soldiers and leaders. In his spare time, Matthew has 
mastered the keyboard, leading his youth group worship band. He has 
competed on his high school soccer team for the past 4 years, and 
attended weekend campouts with the Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, 
Matthew spent time in Juarez, Mexico serving children, and helped a 
Boys and Girls Club on a North Carolina Cherokee Indian Reservation.
  Mr. Sean Smith of Palm Beach Gardens volunteered for Better Health, a 
health awareness group. Sean also served as chairperson for the Health 
Action Council, which is designed to promote youth volunteering. Sean 
spends his free time mastering the guitar as well as competing on his 
school's basketball team. Additionally, he has explored the Western 
United States, viewing several of our Nation's natural treasures such 
as the Grand Canyon and Lake Mead.
  Ms. Alexandra Trimper of Jupiter has volunteered for Jupiter Head 
Start where she organized a Christmas project for young children. 
Alexandra also plays the flute and competes on her high school tennis 
team where she advanced to the Florida State Championships.
  Ms. Christine Vartan of Jupiter volunteered her time teaching the 
elderly how to use computers. Christine took ballroom dancing lessons, 
and is a self-taught member of her school's golf team. In an expedition 
to enhance her understanding of our Nation's history, she visited St. 
Augustine, Florida and Savannah, GA, learning about the famous River 
Street and its historical significance.

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