[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 178 (Wednesday, December 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING STEPHEN COOK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2015

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stephen 
Cook for being awarded the American FFA Degree as a member of the 
National FFA Organization. Stephen is a member of the Willow Springs 
Chapter of the FFA and, with four of its other members, received this 
prestigious award. He is also currently on active duty with the U.S. 
Marine Corps, making this accomplishment even more impressive. FFA is 
an intercurricular student organization for those interested in 
agriculture and leadership consisting of 629,367 members, aged 12-21. 
Stephen is among the 463 FFA members from Missouri that received the 
American FFA degree, marking the highest number of recipients from any 
state.
  As a past recipient of the American FFA Degree, I offer my highest 
congratulations as I understand the hard work and effort required to 
reach this goal. In order to obtain the American FFA Degree, a member 
must begin their pursuit of the award during their freshman year of 
high school through participation in every level of the organization 
and leadership events.
  As a former member of FFA, I can proudly say that my experience in 
the organization was invaluable learning about leadership skills and 
public speaking. It is my pleasure to recognize Stephen Cook for 
receiving this prominent award and thank him for his service to our 
county before the United States House of Representatives.

                          ____________________