[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 136 (Wednesday, September 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             HONORING MACK STRONG AND ZOE HIGHEAGLE-STRONG

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2011

  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a husband-
and-wife team filled with love, faith, and determination. I'm proud to 
call them constituents and friends and I'm honored to be able to 
recognize their efforts on this floor today.
  Mack Strong and Zoe Higheagle-Strong will be honored on Saturday 
evening, September 17 by the Association of Washington Generals as the 
Washingtonians of the Year. Mack and Zoe earned the honor by founding 
and leading the TEAM-WORKS Academy, a program that ``develops strong 
minds, strong bodies, and strong character in underserved youth.'' 
Founded in 2002 by Mack and Zoe, TEAM-WORKS Academy grew out of many 
years of dedicated community service and a strong belief in the 
validity of their vision for the future. I am thankful that Mack, a 
graduate of the University of Georgia and a longtime fullback of the 
Seattle Seahawks, put down roots in the community. His selfless and 
tireless work on behalf of at-risk youth in my District and beyond is 
an inspiration. And his wonderful wife Zoe, a member of the Nez Perce 
tribe and the Executive Director of TEAM-WORKS, is an inspiration to us 
all. The tandem of Mack and Zoe in the Puget Sound region represent an 
unstoppable force in the betterment of our communities, schools, and 
families.
  It is clear that TEAM-WORKS is having a positive effect on the young 
people it directly serves. Over and over again, I hear stories and see 
the results of improved performance in the classroom and on the field 
of play. Mack, an accomplished athlete, believes that the link between 
consistent physical activity and school performance in our young people 
is a strong one. I couldn't agree more. I think the tactics of TEAM-
WORKS should be replicated across this Nation. Mack and Zoe are doing 
remarkable things. Reading and math scores are up. Relationships at 
home have never been better. TEAM-WORKS is a godsend and Mack and Zoe 
show no signs of slowing down.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Mack and Zoe for their 
efforts and congratulate them on their well deserved honor. They truly 
represent the best of the State of Washington. In addition, Mr. 
Speaker, I want to thank the Association of Washington Generals for 
recognizing their efforts and providing Mack and Zoe with the kind of 
official recognition too many of our best community leaders go without.

                          ____________________