[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 72 (Thursday, May 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E838-E839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE HONOREES OF THE 63RD ANNUAL ANNANDALE CHAMBER OF 
                        COMMERCE AWARDS BANQUET

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2010

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the honorees of the 63rd Annual Annandale Chamber of Commerce Awards 
Banquet.
  The Annandale Chamber of Commerce is a thriving volunteer 
organization with more than 200 active members. The members represent 
businesses, industries and professionals who work together to maintain 
a favorable business climate while improving the quality of life for 
all residents.
  Each year, the Annandale Chamber of Commerce honors a few select 
individuals who have distinguished themselves as exemplars of the 
community. It is my honor to recognize these fine recipients and the 
contributions that they have made to the community:
  Student Achievement Award for Falls Church High School: Dennis 
Nolasco. Dennis is a marketing student who was instrumental in the 
development and promotion of the School's Jaguar Joe Coffee Project. 
Dennis has an outstanding work ethic and serves as an effective role 
model to his peers. After graduation from Falls Church High School, 
Dennis plans to major in finance or business administration at George 
Mason University.
  Student Achievement Award for Annandale High School: Emma Dorothy 
Whitmyre. Emma is an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate and 
has served as president of both the National Honor Society and the 
Jewish Culture Club. Emma has a strong commitment to social action. She 
volunteers at a homeless shelter, tutors, and runs a winter coat drive 
for those who are less fortunate. This fall, Emma will be attending New 
York University where she plans on majoring in anthropology or 
psychology.
  Student Achievement Award for Northern Virginia Community College: 
Jacquelyn Shanahan. Jackie, as she is known by her friends and family, 
has nobly served our nation in the United States Marine Corps. She 
recently received the Liberal Arts Division academic award and has 
completed the Honors

[[Page E839]]

Curriculum at NOVA with a GPA of 4.0. Jackie has served as president of 
the Honors Community Annandale Honors Club and as a chair for the Relay 
for Life. Jackie has been accepted into the Marymount University Honors 
Program and plans to major in English.
  Citizen of the Year Award: Irv Denton. Irv has dedicated his time and 
efforts to the residents of Annandale for many years, having served on 
the boards of the Annandale Central Business Planning Committee and the 
Annandale Chamber of Commerce. After his distinguished career in the 
U.S. Air Force, he focused his energies in the field of education and 
taught classes at the Northern Virginia Community College. His 
commitment to our country, our community and our future is an 
inspiration to us all.
  Firefighter of the Year Award: Apparatus Technician John Lockhart. 
John has given more than 25 years of service to the residents of 
Fairfax County, including 14 at the Annandale Station. John also serves 
as a tremendous community resource, instructing the younger 
firefighters in the safe usage of the equipment, and helping to ensure 
that Annandale residents will continue to receive the highest quality 
rescue care into the future.
  Police Officer of the Year Award: Detective Horace Lawalt. Horace has 
served the residents of Fairfax County for more than 11 years, 
including 5 years at the Mason District Station. As a detective in the 
Criminal Investigation Section, he has helped keep the community safe 
from burglaries, robberies and grand larcenies. Despite having one of 
the lowest per capita police forces, Fairfax County enjoys one of the 
lowest crime rates of any jurisdiction its size due to the exceptional 
work and dedication of Horace and his fellow officers.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing 
Dennis, Emma, Jacquelyn, Irv, John and Horace, the honorees of the 2010 
Annandale Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, and thanking them for 
their service to our community. Each honoree is a role model for his or 
her peers and an invaluable member of our community.

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