[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 6, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1000]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         HONORING LEROY KELLER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2012

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Leroy Keller of 
Scarborough, Maine, who is celebrating his 50th consecutive year as a 
volunteer with the American Legion, Department of Maine Dirigo Boys 
State Program.
  Leroy has been an integral part of the Maine American Legion Boys 
State Program for the last half century. Boys State programs currently 
operate in 48 States around the country, and serve over 19,000 high 
school students ever year. Enrolled students are given the opportunity 
to learn about the operation of State and local governments by running 
a model state. Boys State helps instill a sense of civic engagement in 
our youth, while also providing them with an experience that is both 
fun and educational. The Department of Maine Dirigo Boys State was 
founded in 1947, and through the hard work of people like Leroy, the 
program has made a significant impact in the lives of thousands of 
Maine high school students.
  Few people can claim to embody the spirit of community engagement as 
completely as Mr. Keller. Leroy retired from a distinguished career as 
an educator in the Mount View and Deer-Isle Stonington School 
districts. He has also refereed and coached youth sports for 40 years 
in the Eastern Maine Conference.
  After five decades, Leroy's commitment to Maine's youth through the 
Boys State Program is second only to his 51-year marriage to his wife 
Mary. He has been the senior counselor coordinator for most of his 50 
years at the organization, overseeing countless volunteers and 
students, including myself. I am humbled to be one of the many lives 
touched by Leroy's warmth and dedication.
  On June 16, Dirigo Boys State will be honoring Leroy for his service 
at Thomas College in Waterville, ME. I can think of no one else more 
deserving of this recognition.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Keller on achieving 
this milestone, and thanking him for all that he does on behalf of 
Maine's youth.

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