[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 62 (Thursday, April 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE 2010 RECIPIENTS OF THE McGOWAN COURAGE AWARD

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                            HON. JIM JORDAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 29, 2010

  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to 
share positive stories about young people from my congressional 
district who overcome adversity. Today, I am pleased to share the 
stories of seven such individuals.
  Nella Blackford, St. Peter's High School. Coping with many physical 
difficulties stemming from the effects of spina bifida and numerous 
surgeries, Nella is an inspiration to everyone at her school, where she 
participates in the volleyball and softball programs. She is 
undertaking an advanced placement courseload and was active in her 
school's spring musical.
  Steven Broeske, Clear Fork High School. Steven has earned the respect 
of his peers and teachers for the selfless way he deals with cystic 
fibrosis. He prides himself on his independence and goal-oriented work 
ethic, carrying a demanding workload in the classroom and dedicating 
countless hours to his school's Future Farmers of America chapter.
  Jackie Bucksbaum, Ontario High School. Jackie's positive attitude in 
dealing with a lymphatic disorder is a model to her fellow students, 
who admire her leadership skills. Although challenged recently by 
medical emergencies and some family-related setbacks, she maintains an 
aggressive academic schedule and plans to continue her studies at the 
University of Findlay.
  Christian Lauber, Madison Comprehensive High School. Despite the 
physical challenges presented by cerebral palsy, which he has dealt 
with since birth, Christian is active in numerous sports. He also 
enjoys participating in his school's media and technology programs and 
plans to study business and computer technology in college.
  Michael Lupo, Mansfield Senior High School. Michael has worked 
through many autism-related difficulties in recent years with the 
assistance of family members and his teachers. He excels as a 
mainstreamed student--especially in his mathematics and science 
classes--and routinely ranks in the top ten percent of his class.
  Timothy Ritchey, Lexington High School. Tim was diagnosed with 
Hodgkin's Lymphoma earlier this year and has been undergoing monthly 
chemotherapy treatments. Although he has missed many school days as a 
result, he has kept up-to-date on his studies and continues to work in 
his school's athletic department. Tim plans to study nursing.
  Travis Stone, Crestview High School. In addition to his many academic 
achievements, Travis has amassed 73 career wins as a four-year varsity 
starter on the wrestling team--all this despite a birth defect that 
affected the development of his arms and hands. He received the 2010 
Team Attitude Award and was ranked third in his conference.
  Madam Speaker, the Rotary Club of Mansfield, Ohio, will present these 
seven students with the McGowan Courage Award on May 11. I am proud to 
join the Rotary in acknowledging their significant achievements and 
wishing them continued success in everything they do.

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