[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 96 (Thursday, June 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING MS. KYLA MARTIN AS A 2016 RECIPIENT OF THE CONGRESSIONAL 
                            GOLD MEDAL AWARD

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                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2016

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Ms. Kyla 
Martin of Paxinos, Pennsylvania as a recipient of the 2016 
Congressional Gold Medal Award. She is a 2013 graduate of Shamokin Area 
High School in my district, and now attends Wilson College where she 
majors in equine journalism with a minor in communications. Kyla has 
made a real difference in my district through her volunteer work, and I 
am confident that she will continue to be a role model for the next 
generation of leaders in northeastern Pennsylvania.
  The Congressional Gold Medal Award is presented, regardless of 
ability or circumstance, to any young person between the ages of 14 and 
24. This award is the highest honor that Congress presents to 
outstanding young individuals and requires participants to set goals in 
voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and 
expedition. Kyla showed great perseverance in meeting these criteria 
and continues to affect the lives of constituents in my district 
through her extensive charitable work.
  Kyla completed several hundred volunteer hours to meet the voluntary 
public service requirement. Through the charity that she co-founded, 
Angels at Work, Kyla has organized several food and clothing drives to 
help provide basic necessities to those most in need in northeastern 
Pennsylvania. She is a coach for her local equestrian vaulting team and 
used this experience to complete her volunteer work, personal 
development, and physical fitness requirements. Kyla spent countless 
hours outside of practice working on her own vaulting skills, and 
competed nationally at the highest level of any vaulter from 
Pennsylvania at the time. For the expedition portion of the award, she 
camped for several nights at a local campground where she was able to 
familiarize herself with native plant and animal life. These 
experiences speak directly to Kyla's character and I am confident that 
she will carry these skills with her as she continues to grow both 
personally and professionally.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Ms. Kyla Martin for receiving 
the 2016 Congressional Gold Medal Award. Kyla has consistently 
demonstrated the devotion necessary to achieve her goals, and countless 
lives in my district have been impacted by her actions throughout this 
journey. On behalf of my congressional district, I wish to congratulate 
Kyla and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

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