[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 27, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S4670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO ALEXANDER PAGOULATOS

 Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize 
Alexander Pagoulatos, an impressive young New Jerseyan who recently 
graduated West Point as the class of 2012's valedictorian. Hailing from 
Basking Ridge, NJ and a 2008 graduate of Ridge High School, Alex has 
strong roots in the Garden State. As a young man, he was well known for 
excelling on Ridge High's Varsity fencing team, as well as his 
dedicated service to his church and greater community. And when Alex 
applied through my office for a nomination to the United States 
Military Academy at West Point during his senior year, his outstanding 
record and bright future made it an easy choice.
  At West Point, Alex continued to make us proud. As an economics 
major, he achieved the highest grade point average possible, the result 
of earning numerous A-pluses. This accomplishment is all the more 
impressive when one considers that he also minored in environmental 
engineering. For his success both in and out of the classroom, Alex 
earned awards of all kinds. This May, Alex graduated at the top of his 
class academically, physically, and overall, receiving his diploma as 
the class of 2012's valedictorian.
  Alex's service to his Nation didn't end that Saturday at Michie 
Stadium. Upon graduation, Alex received his commission as a 2nd 
Lieutenant in the United States Army. Following his training at Fort 
Benning, he will deploy to Vicenza, Italy as a member of the 173rd 
Airborne Brigade Combat Team.
  As a former soldier and a veteran of World War II, I commend Alex for 
his service to our Nation and recognize the sacrifices he is making in 
the name of that service. He has made my State of New Jersey extremely 
proud and I know he will continue his commitment to excellence in the 
Army. We all owe Alex an incredible debt of gratitude and I know that 
the people of New Jersey, and indeed Americans across our country are 
thankful for his dedicated service to our country and look forward to 
his future achievements.

                          ____________________