[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 172 (Friday, October 19, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF RICHARD MAHACEK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 19, 2018

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and 
achievements of Richard Mahacek, a longtime Merced resident. His 35 
years of shaping the character of the Merced County 4-H community as 
well as his national leadership in developing curricula for 4-H youth 
have earned him a spot in the 4-H Hall of Fame. Mahacek's lifelong 
commitment to instilling values such as working together and 
experiential learning has made immeasurable positive impacts on our 
Merced community.
  Beginning when he was 10 years old, Mahacek's involvement as a 4-H 
youth member included participating in projects in electricity, 
woodworking, and raising cattle. He also worked on his family farm and 
managed a 120-home newspaper route for six years. Using money made from 
his paper route, Mahacek earned a bachelor's degree in industrial arts 
at San Jose State University in 1974. Following graduation, he chose to 
pursue a career that allowed him to give back to the 4-H community that 
had given him so much. In 1976, Mahacek was named the 4-H Youth 
Development Advisor for Merced County.
  Mahacek made his most notable contributions to 4-H in the field of 
science. His engagement with the youth and his development of curricula 
and activities in science processes, robotics, computers, GIS/GPS, bio-
security, and environmental issues have played a critical part in the 
development of 4-H. He was a member of the team that developed the 4-H 
Science Experiences and Resources for Informal Educational Settings 
(SERIES) curriculum. SERIES was the first science education curriculum 
to join 4-H's traditional projects. In 2004, Mahacek served on the 
national leadership team for 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology 
(SET), a project which aims to stoke young people's interest in 
developing the knowledge and skills necessary for the 21st Century's 
technically-oriented careers.
  Mahacek has received distinguished service awards from the state and 
national 4-H associations. The Merced County Farm City Ag Business 
Committee presented him with its ``Agri-Education Award'' in 1992. In 
addition, Mahacek received the ``Hands-On Heroes Award'' at the Merced 
County Children's summit. On October 19, Mahacek was inducted into the 
4-H Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding citizenship, 
leadership, character, and career accomplishments.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Richard 
Mahacek for his dedication and service over the past 4 decades. He has 
made a real difference and left a remarkable impact on Merced County 
and the congressional district I have the honor of representing. I wish 
Richard and his family continued health and happiness.

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