[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 5, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING MATT WOODRUM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE STIVERS

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2012

  Mr. STIVERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize one of Central Ohio's 
very own hometown heroes, fifth-grader Matt Woodrum of Worthington, 
Ohio.
  Matt is battling Spastic Cerebral Palsy, but his courage, inner 
strength, and determination came together in May when he ran and 
completed a 400-meter race at a Colonial Hill Elementary School field 
day.
  When I learned of Matt's story from a YouTube video that gained 
worldwide attention, I was particularly moved by his courage and 
perseverance. The inspiration I felt became two-fold when Matt's 
classmates surrounded him and cheered by his side all the way to the 
finish line. The explosion of excitement at the end of the video from 
the children, parents, and teachers was truly infectious.
  I invite all Members of Congress to take a moment to think about the 
drive and discipline Matt Woodrum demonstrated that day when he charged 
through the pain of his condition to continue onward and finish that 
race--one determined step at a time.
  I am so proud to represent the people of Central Ohio in Congress, 
because our communities shine with genuinely kind and selfless heroes 
like Matt and his classmates. Those same students at Colonial Hill 
Elementary School will grow up to be the future of our communities in 
Central Ohio, and their story gave me hope that it will be very, very 
bright.