[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 194 (Monday, December 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF MR. KEVIN THOMAS KOELEWYN

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                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 10, 2018

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside my colleague, Devin 
Nunes, to recognize the life and service of Kevin Thomas Koelewyn, a 
teacher, mentor, and long-time advocate for agricultural education.
  Mr. Kevin Koelewyn was born on March 26, 1966 in Hanford, California. 
The City of Hanford is located in California's San Joaquin Valley, one 
of the most agriculture-rich areas in the world. The area seemed to 
leave a lasting impression on Kevin, as he dedicated his life and 
career to this community and agricultural education.
  An educator for nearly thirty years, Mr. Koelewyn was widely known 
for his role as an agriculture teacher with Tulare Joint Union High 
School District. His involvement spread far beyond the classroom. He 
was active in Future Farmers of America (FFA), coaching numerous 
students for FFA public speaking competitions. His expertise in 
coaching made him nationally known in the FFA community; and he was 
given the responsibility of overseeing their national public speaking 
competition as a result.
  While his experience and accomplishments made him one of the most 
respected teachers in the area, it was his mentorship to students and 
fellow educators that set him apart. Countless former students have 
expressed the lasting impact Mr. Koelewyn's mentorship had on their 
lives. His ability to inspire students far beyond their perceived 
potential was often mentioned. Kevin extended that mentorship to young 
agricultural teachers, helping them get settled into new jobs and 
preparing them for success.
  Mr. Koelewyn was also dedicated to community service and was a long-
time youth baseball coach in his hometown of Hanford. Whether in the 
classroom, at FFA competitions, or attending sporting events, Kevin was 
passionate about inspiring the next generation to reach their full 
potential in life.
  While he was passionate about his career and service, Kevin's 
greatest loves were God, family, and friends. He had a deep 
relationship with the Lord, which guided the entirety of his life. He 
loved and cherished his wife, children, parents, and the rest of his 
family. He was a dedicated friend who was there to help in challenging 
times.
  Sadly, on Sunday, November 4, 2018, Kevin Koelewyn passed away. 
Although he left us far too soon, Kevin made a lasting, positive impact 
on the people he knew. Kevin is survived by his wife Maxine, their 
three children, Madlyn, Audra, and Kaleb, his parents Thomas and 
Sharon, and his sister Kristin. Kevin Koelewyn left his community a far 
richer place, and for that we are blessed. He was a loving husband, 
caring father, inspiring mentor, and dedicated educator. There is no 
doubt he will be deeply missed .
  Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me and Mr. Nunes in honoring the life of Kevin 
Thomas Koelewyn. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and 
friends in this difficult time.

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