[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 56 (Thursday, March 30, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E417-E418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING ANDERS BJORK ON BEING NAMED A FINALIST FOR THE HOCKEY 
                           HUMANITARIAN AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2017

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Anders 
Bjork, a junior at the University of Notre Dame, on being named one of 
five finalists for the 2017 Hockey Humanitarian Award.
  Each year, the Hockey Humanitarian Award recognizes college hockey's 
``finest citizen.'' Recipients of this award are individuals who have 
made significant, long-lasting contributions to their communities in a 
true, humanitarian spirit.
  Anders has been a member of the Fighting Irish Men's Hockey team 
since his freshman year at Notre Dame. But for Anders, his life here in 
South Bend is about more than being a student athlete. He is part of 
this community and plays an integral role in making it better. His 
dedication is especially clear in his experience working with children 
in need at a local elementary school.
  Shortly before last season started, Anders began volunteering in a 
third grade class at Perley Fine Arts Academy after his coach 
encouraged the team to meet new community

[[Page E418]]

service goals. Anders' weekly trips to the elementary school quickly 
became much more than a way to fulfill a coach's request. He built deep 
relationships with the students and became a regular fixture in the 
classroom. He even has his own desk.
  The bond forged between the young kids and Anders was not hard to 
see. Anders found a way to fit in not only with the classroom dynamic 
but also with the individual students. For the Perley students Anders 
is a mentor, a role model, and a friend. Through Anders' uplifting 
spirit and kind heart, these third graders are able to open up to and 
really learn from him.
  His incredible commitment of time and talent and his positive impact 
on these kids is an inspiration to us all. I am so proud of Anders for 
this much deserved recognition as a finalist for the Hockey 
Humanitarian Award.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I want to thank 
Anders Bjork for providing the wonderful support and encouragement I'm 
sure will stay with these children for years to come. He has truly left 
a mark on the South Bend community, and I look forward to the great 
things that lie ahead in his future.

                          ____________________