[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 137 (Monday, September 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OF PORT ANGELES 
            AND THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA BY MR. DWAYNE JOHNSON

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                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 12, 2016

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, when most people hear ``Dwayne Johnson'' 
they think of ``The Rock,'' but I want you to stop and smell what I'm 
cooking. I rise today to recognize Dwayne Johnson of Port Angeles, WA, 
an educator and a proud member of the Makah and Lummi tribes, and to 
congratulate him on receiving the Trustee of the Year Award from the 
Rural Community College Alliance, a national organization representing 
over 600 rural community and tribal colleges.
   Mr. Johnson has been a member of the Peninsula College board of 
trustees since 2006 and has twice served as chairman. Between 2008 and 
2012, when the college faced the challenge of an unprecedented increase 
in enrollment amid cuts to funding and increased tuition rates, Mr. 
Johnson and his fellow board members provided critical support to the 
staff and administration of Peninsula College. When Peninsula College 
had to navigate difficult budget decisions, Mr. Johnson was key in 
engaging the local community to explain the need for some of these 
changes.
   In his other capacity, Mr. Johnson serves as athletic director for 
the Port Angeles School District. The Washington Interscholastic 
Activities Association recognized Mr. Johnson's accomplishments in 
youth sports by naming him 2016's League Athletic Director of the Year 
for the Olympic League. The Washington Secondary School Athletic 
Administrators Association also recently recognized his work with their 
Outstanding Service Award. As a graduate of Port Angeles High School, 
I've personally seen the investment he makes in young people. It's a 
difference-maker. As athletic director, Mr. Johnson encourages his 
students to strive for excellence in both sports and education, urging 
them to ultimately reach for the next bar in their educational journey. 
Many of these students pursue higher education at Peninsula College.
   Furthermore, as a member of the Makah and Lummi tribes, Mr. Johnson 
has devoted his energies to projects--including the building of the 
House of Learning Longhouse--that have encouraged more members of local 
tribes to participate in the life of Peninsula College. As a result of 
his efforts, enrollment rates of Native American students at Peninsula 
College have never been higher.
   Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent a dedicated community 
leader and friend who is truly a rock for so many young people in our 
region. I am grateful for his efforts and dedication and am proud to 
recognize Mr. Johnson's achievements today in the United States 
Congress.

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