[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 29 (Thursday, February 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E215-E216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 2013 DULLES REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ``EDUCATOR OF 
                               THE YEAR''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Dulles 
Regional Chamber of Commerce (the DRCC) for its ongoing dedication to 
local businesses and our community. The DRCC sponsors a fundraising 
event, Casino Royale, the proceeds of which will support programs for 
homeless children in Fairfax County. In addition, during this event, 
the DRCC will present its 2013 ``Educator of the Year'' Awards to 
educators who demonstrate exceptional effort and achievement.
  The DRCC dates back to 1959, when it began as the Herndon Chamber of 
Commerce. Since its founding, the Chamber has

[[Page E216]]

witnessed explosive regional growth and now serves the Town of Herndon; 
western Fairfax County, including the communities of Chantilly, 
Centreville and Fairfax; and eastern Loudoun County, including the 
communities of Sterling/Dulles, South Riding, and parts of Ashburn. The 
DRCC defines itself as a workforce chamber and is known for its 
leadership in the areas of diversity, education, and transportation 
advocacy.
  As the former Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, 
and now as a Member of Congress representing much of this community, I 
have been proud to partner with the DRCC on promoting the region's pro-
business climate and expanding Metro's Silver Line into the Dulles 
Corridor.
  Northern Virginia is considered one of the best places in the country 
in which to live, work, and raise a family. One factor in this 
designation is our outstanding school systems. The DRCC recognizes the 
importance of a globally competitive K-12 education system to our 
workforce development and believes the most important investment 
Virginia can make is in human capital.
   The jobs of the future and the ability of our businesses to compete 
rest in having a well-trained workforce. As an elected representative 
and a parent, I believe that investing in education and college access 
programs, with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, 
is an investment in America and will spur innovation and set our young 
people on a path for lifelong success. This year's awardees have 
demonstrated how outstanding educators are crucial leaders on that 
journey. Therefore, I am pleased to join the chamber in congratulating 
the following recipients of the 2013 Educator of the Year Award:
  Ms. Whitney Branisteanu, Dranesville Elementary School; Ms. Hallie 
Case, Herndon Middle School; Ms. Barbara Clougherty, Chantilly High 
School; Ms. Jen Howe, Chantilly Academy; Mr. Jeff Jones, Mountain View 
High School; Ms. Cheryl McGovern, Herndon Elementary School; Ms. Kelly 
Mosgrove, Ormond Stone Middle School; Ms. Amy Valint, Herndon High 
School; Ms. Kay Ward, Liberty Middle School.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these 
individuals and thanking them for their many contributions to our 
children's success and our nation's future.

                          ____________________