[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO BENTON AND SANDI MARKS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TODD ROKITA

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2013

  Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional 
Hoosier couple, Mr. Benton and Mrs. Sandi Marks, who are being honored 
with the 2013 HAI-Life Distinguished Service Award by Hasten Hebrew 
Academy of Indianapolis. This honor is well-deserved because of their 
many years of philanthropic service to the Indianapolis Jewish 
community, as well as to the broader community.
  Mr. Marks joined the Hasten Hebrew Academy Board of Directors in 1997 
and has served in a number of leadership positions, including as 
president of the school. In the 1990s, he was president of the Bureau 
of Jewish Education and is the only person in the Indianapolis Jewish 
community to serve as president of both educational institutions. Mr. 
Marks also served as the president of the Jewish Federation and as 
Campaign Chair a record five times. He also was chairman of State of 
Israel Bonds for three years. Mr. Marks has served as a member of the 
Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission, and has donated his time 
locally to United Cerebral Palsy, Indiana Building Owners and Managers 
Association, and the Indiana Chapter of the Brown University National 
Secondary School Committee.
  Mrs. Marks has devoted her life to education, serving on the Hasten 
Hebrew Academy Education Committee and as a board member of the school. 
She recently retired from Washington Township Schools but continues to 
serve the district as a school psychologist. She is a member of several 
women's organizations in our community and works with the Great 
American Songbook Initiative at the Center for the Performing Arts in 
Carmel. Mrs. Marks is also a trusted friend and confidant of mine on 
education issues in my capacity as chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
  Mr. and Mrs. Marks are wonderful entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and 
friends. I am honored to know them and look forward to our continued 
friendship. I know they will continue to serve as leaders in our 
community for many years to come.

                          ____________________