[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 3, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATING ZACH STRIEF OF THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

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                           HON. JEAN SCHMIDT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 2010

  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Zach Strief 
of the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints. Zach grew up in Milford, 
Ohio and--despite being too big to play pee wee football and an 
unfulfilling first practice in high school--was recently named to the 
Milford High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
  Zach went on to attend college at Northwestern University where he 
was a three-year starter. He was selected as a first-team All-American 
after his senior season. In 2006, Zach was selected in the seventh 
round of the National Football League Draft by the New Orleans Saints. 
Now, in his fourth season with the Saints, Zach is an important part of 
the Super Bowl champions.
  Citizens of Ohio's Second Congressional District are certainly proud 
of Zach's athletic accomplishments. However, I am more impressed with 
his actions off the field. Recognizing a need to keep children active 
and wanting to give back to the community, he formed the Zach Strief 
Dream Big Foundation with the help of his parents, Doug and Cathy. 
Through this charity, Zach and his new wife have become important 
contributors to the rebuilding of the New Orleans community--and he has 
not forgotten his hometown. The Zach Strief Dream Big Foundation has 
focused on after school activities for children in New Orleans. And in 
Zach's hometown of Milford, the foundation has donated football 
equipment and uniforms as well as provided scholarships for children. 
Each summer, Zach returns to Milford High School and conducts a youth 
football camp that benefits his foundation.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Zach Strief for his many 
noteworthy accomplishments both on and off the football field. Zach is 
truly an inspiring leader and Ohio's Second Congressional District is 
proud that he is one of our own.

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