[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 108 (Monday, July 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1054]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           2015 PRINCE WILLIAM CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 13, 2015

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Education and 
Innovation Committee of the Prince William Chamber and to recognize the 
scholastic achievements of the 2015 Prince William Chamber Scholarship 
Program winners. Focused on educating the workforce of today and 
tomorrow, the Prince William Chamber seeks to highlight the talents and 
achievements of high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment 
to both academic success and community involvement. This year's 
scholarship recipients are nothing short of exceptional and for that I 
wish to recognize the following individuals:
   Matthew Critchley, Forest Park High School
   Casey Peschka, Woodbridge Senior High School
   Ann Stapor, C.D. Hylton High School
   Matthew Critchley is a lifelong resident of Dumfries, Virginia. 
Given his deep roots in the community, Matthew has expressed a 
particular interest in the history and legacy of the Town of Dumfries. 
Currently he serves on the town's Parks and Recreation Commission and 
volunteers at the Weems-Botts Museum where he researches family 
genealogy, coordinates special events, and participates in Civil War 
reenactments. Matthew is a diligent student and boasts a superior 
academic record. Upon graduation from Forest Park High School, Matthew 
will be the first in his family to go to college. He will attend 
Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall, majoring in Criminal 
Justice.
   Casey Peschka attends Woodbridge Senior High School and is a member 
of the Advanced Placement Scholars, National Honor Society, Viking 
Norsemen Community Service Club, and Student Activities Council. He 
serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, The Valkyrie, 
and as Team Captain of the Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Team. One of Casey's 
most notable achievements is serving as co-founder of ``El Fuego'' or 
``The Fire,'' a recreational soccer team that raises funds for ACTS to 
help combat hunger and poverty in the local community. In college, 
Casey will major in Biology and Organic Chemistry and plans to pursue a 
career in medicine as an Oncologist.
   Anna Stapor will graduate as valedictorian from C.D. Hylton High 
School in June. Anna's teachers characterize her as an ``exception 
among the exceptional.'' With an extensive list of academic 
achievements, Anna won First Place in the Prince William Youth Salute 
and was named an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. She is a 
member of the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society, and 
is also a recipient of the Presidents Volunteer Service Award. 
Throughout her high school career, Anna has participated in a number of 
clubs and organizations; among them, Virginia Girls State, National 
Council on Youth Leadership, Prince William Model United Nations, and 
AIU High School Diplomats. Anna was the Captain of Hylton's Varsity 
Field Hockey and Lacrosse Team, receiving the following honors: Most 
Valuable Player, The Coaches Award, and Honorable Mention for All 
Conference Field Hockey Defender. In the fall, Anna will attend 
Virginia Tech and major in Industrial Design to design products to 
benefit poverty-stricken communities.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the 2015 
Prince William Chamber Scholarship recipients for their achievements 
both in and out of the classroom and in thanking the Prince William 
Chamber of Commerce for their support of educational excellence.

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