[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 9, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H7931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    OLYMPIC CHAMPION JENN STUCZYNSKI

  (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fredonia, New 
York's own Olympic champion, Jenn Stuczynski. On Monday, August 19, 
Jenn won the silver medal in the pole vault in the 2008 Beijing 
Olympics. She admirably represented Western New York, and we are proud 
to call her one of our own.
  Born and raised in Fredonia, New York, Jenn's heart has never left 
her hometown. Her love for sports began while she was a student at 
Fredonia High School. Although she became a dedicated athlete at an 
early age, Jenn did not take up pole vaulting until her senior year of 
college. Four years of tireless practice, patience, and persistence 
later, Jenn made it to the Olympics, and she was not about to leave 
empty handed. Jenn's story of winning the silver medal is one that can 
inspire all of us to ask more of ourselves and to reach higher than 
many, maybe even ourselves, thought possible.
  Jenn's hard work, dedication, and spirit embody the best of Western 
New York. She is an inspiration to athletes and to all who witness her 
commitment and strength of character. Jenn's community in Fredonia 
knows her as a hometown girl who will not forget her roots, no matter 
what heights her gifts and hard work take her. Her masterful grace as a 
champion pole vaulter is also matched only by her confident yet modest 
nature. Unlike too many star athletes, Jenn understands the importance 
of character, community, and family.
  Jenn's values were instilled by her loving family and community. I 
commend the Chautauqua County for rallying around their Olympic 
daughter and her family with support and pride. When the community 
raised the money needed for Jenn's parents to watch their daughter win 
the Olympic silver medal, we witnessed a tremendous spirit of devotion 
and community pride. The communities of Fredonia and Dunkirk threw a 
fund raising drive to get Jenn's parents to Beijing, and held a rally 
to send her off to the Olympics. The effort of this devoted community 
are yet another reason why I am proud to represent Western New York.
  I applaud her parents, Mark and Sue Stuczynski, and wish them the 
best as they share this achievement with their daughter. They should be 
proud of having raised one of Western New York's greatest ambassadors.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Jenn, her parents, her family, and Jenn's 
hometown and her community of Fredonia as they celebrate this wonderful 
accomplishment.

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