[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE 2008 RECIPIENTS OF THE MCGOWAN COURAGE AWARD

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                            HON. JIM JORDAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 2008

  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I enjoy sharing positive stories 
about young people from our district who overcome adversity. Today, I 
am pleased to introduce you to eight such individuals.
  Michael (``Mick'') Benson, Clear Fork High School--Though autistic, 
this young man maintains a positive attitude as he volunteers in the 
community and participates in athletics, including many Special 
Olympics events.
  Kati Jo Walters, Crestview High School--This athlete became 
wheelchair-bound due to an auto-immune medical condition, but through 
fierce determination and persistence, she remains both a great student 
and an inspiration to all.
  Corey Sayer, Lexington High School--Growing up in a family torn apart 
by drug abuse, he was taken in by the parents of a friend and now 
excels academically, hoping to attend Ohio State University--Mansfield 
upon graduation.
  Jill Leiendecker, Lucas High School--A leader in and outside the 
classroom, she serves as student council president, crediting the love 
and support of her father after losing her mother in an auto accident.
  Curtis Alan Remy, Madison Comprehensive High School--Impaired with 
nerve deafness, he earned the starting point guard position and was 
named captain of his high school basketball team--all in addition to 
his academic achievements.
  Daniel Porter, Mansfield Christian High School--Through self-
motivation, he overcame dyslexia to become proficient in computers, 
power equipment, and small engines, and has secured a job with a 
landscaping company after graduation.
  Jessica White, Mansfield Senior High School--This courageous young 
lady overcame obstacles associated with hearing impairment to perform 
at the highest levels in both school and extracurricular activities, 
including basketball and track.
  Penelope Mitman, Ontario High School--Despite her hearing problems, 
she remains an active and inspirational student, participating in 
student council, band, and basketball, and volunteering in the guidance 
office.
  I am pleased to join the Rotary Club of Mansfield, Ohio, in honoring 
the achievements of these recipients of the McGowan Courage Award, 
which will be presented on May 13.

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