[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 27, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1439-E1440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING MR. BRIAN TOUPS FOR EARNING THE GOLD CONGRESSIONAL AWARD

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 27, 2010

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Brian Toups for earning the Gold Congressional Award. Mr. Toups has 
proven himself to be an achiever and an exceptionally capable young 
man. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize him for being awarded 
with such a distinct and coveted honor.
  The Gold Congressional Award is the only congressionally recognized 
award given to youth. The recipient must meet a rigorous set of 
requirements. These requirements include a minimum of four hundred 
community service hours, two hundred hours of personal development and 
physical fitness activities, and the planning, preparation, and 
execution of a four night expedition. Not only has Mr. Toups 
successfully met each requirement, he has surpassed every expectation.
  To fulfill the four hundred hours of community service, Mr. Brian 
Toups spent time working at a program for underprivileged children. 
While working with these children, Mr. Toups was a shining example of 
the virtue of voluntarism as he worked to provide a positive influence 
and make a lasting impact in their lives. Additionally, Mr. Toups 
pushed his physical limits by enrolling in a competitive gymnastics 
program. Indeed, this was no easy task. However, focusing his ambition 
and remaining steadfast in his commitment, he prevailed.
  Mr. Brian Toups, spent many hours penning literary works ranging from 
short stories to novels. Honing his skills as a writer, he has 
submitted at least 500 pages of stories to a local publisher. In his 
final effort to earn the Gold Congressional Award, Mr. Toups prepared a 
journey to Northern Alaska. During this trip, he was faced with 
numerous challenges as he traversed the rugged road known as the James 
W. Dalton Highway.
  Madam Speaker, throughout the course of his journey, Mr. Brian Toups 
had an incredible opportunity to develop character and integrity by 
taking an active role in his community. It is a real privilege to 
recognize Mr. Toups, and on behalf of the entire United States Congress 
I congratulate him on his amazing accomplishment.

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