[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 94 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING COMMUNITY CHAMPION GRACE BEAL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE KELLY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2018

  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a 
young lady from my congressional district, 16-year-old Grace Beal. 
Grace is the daughter of David and Corri Beal and the older sister of 
Eliza and Lucy Beal. Grace is a Sophomore in High School but has proven 
herself to be wise beyond her years and honorable in every sense of the 
word.
   In 2009, when Grace was just 7 years old, her youngest sister Lucy 
died of a congenital heart disease. The loss of 11-month-old Lucy was 
an absolute tragedy that devastated the entire Beal family and led to a 
painful mourning period. However, in the midst of grief, Grace 
developed a sincere desire to honor Lucy's memory and make a difference 
for those who will unfortunately experience similar circumstances.
   When Grace reflects on Lucy's journey she is reminded of the 
hardships but also recalls the kindness and compassion her family 
received from the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP). Even after 
all of these years, Grace is quick to praise the Children's Hospital of 
Pittsburgh and applaud their unwavering dedication to patients and 
families in need of support. Therefore, beginning in fourth grade, 
Grace decided to express her appreciation by organizing a book drive 
which resulted in a donation of 600 books to the Children's Hospital of 
Pittsburgh Library. The following year, while in fifth grade, Grace 
came up with the fundraising idea ``Laps for Lucy'' through her swim 
team, which raised over $3,400 for Child Life at the Children's 
Hospital of Pittsburgh. Grace continued to create new initiatives and 
once again, in sixth grade, she hosted ``Lovies for Lucy'' by 
collecting over 150 blankets for the Children's Home of Pittsburgh, 
another facility that played an influential role in Lucy's journey.
   By seventh grade, Grace created ``Layups for Lucy'' which initially 
began as a 3-on-3 basketball tournament but has developed into much 
more. Now an annual event, Layups for Lucy has raised over $70,000 and 
continues to evolve and prosper each year. Grace was invigorated by 
raising money and helping others, which led to her decision to create a 
Layups for Lucy fund and become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 
Grace is quick to attribute the success of the event to the involvement 
of her friends and family, Neshannock High School students and staff, 
and members of the New Castle community who have been actively involved 
and extremely generous.
   In addition to her philanthropic involvement, Grace is a member of 
her high school volleyball and basketball teams, she serves as a 
student government representative, participates in various academic 
clubs and has been selected to National Honor Society. Grace's 
community involvement and exceptional volunteerism have caught the 
attention of many and inevitably led to several prestigious honors. 
Grace was a 2018 Distinguished Finalist for the Prudential Spirt of 
Community Award, a 2016 Jefferson Award finalist for the Most 
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, the recipient of the Lancer Pride 
and Promise Award and she qualified to receive the prestigious 
President's Volunteer Service Award.
   In sum, Grace displayed resilience in the face of adversity. She 
turned her pain into passion and created a commitment to helping 
others. Grace has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable 
responsibility and has thrived as a leader, encouraging others to get 
involved and give back. Although she has already accomplished so much, 
Grace has no plans to slow down now. Grace is energized by helping 
others and she will continue to strive for greatness and uplift those 
in need, however necessary.
   In serving her community, the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and 
the memory of her sister Lucy, Grace is an absolute inspiration. Her 
compassion and generosity have positively influenced the lives of many 
and will continue to do so for years to come. Therefore, on behalf of 
the Third Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I would like to 
express sincere gratitude and appreciation to Grace Beal, an admirable 
young lady, a selfless individual, and a true Community Champion.

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