[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 102 (Thursday, June 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING IAN GIBSON OF VIRGINIA BEACH

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                          HON. THELMA D. DRAKE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2008

  Mrs. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding 
achievements of Ian Gibson of Virginia Beach, and to commend him on 
becoming a Congressional Award Gold Medalist. This recognition by the 
United States Congress is the highest honor bestowed upon America's 
youth. It serves as a testament to Ian's strength of character and 
commitment to our national values of dedication to public service and 
the cherished qualities of personal growth, initiative, and 
achievement, all of which are cornerstones of the Congressional Award.
  Ian's volunteer efforts are tremendous, speaking very highly of him 
and his level of commitment to the community and to public service. Ian 
completed over 600 hours of Voluntary Public Service and earned the 
rank of Eagle Scout, working with Strawbridge Elementary School to 
provide school supplies to orphans in Bolivia and Russia, and 25 local 
children. In addition, he continues to be active within the Boy Scouts 
of America (BSA) Tidewater Council, serving as Junior Assistant BSA 
Tidewater Council Venturing Leadership Award, and participating in the 
2007 National OA Leadership and Conservation Summit at Indiana 
University.
  Ian has devoted time and energy to excellence in the sports of 
baseball and football, honing his speed and endurance, and earning a 
selection as First Colonial High School's ``Male Student Athlete of the 
Week.'' By maintaining his own physical well-being, he has balanced the 
challenges of public service with his own personal welfare and 
developed a well-rounded persona.
  Ian has become a role model, not only for those young cub scouts he 
assists and tee-ball players he coaches, but also for the large 
community around him. Upon receiving the Congressional Medal, he joins 
a most elite group of our nation's youth who have set and achieved this 
very commendable goal. I am certain Ian's incredible accomplishments, 
dedication to service, and evident leadership talents will continue to 
speak highly of him, as they do now.

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