[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 17 (Monday, January 27, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E80]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING DR. DEXTER CRISS FOR HIS WORK WITH THE PLATTSBURGH STATE 
           GOSPEL CHOIR AND THE LIFE OF HIS SON, DALTON CRISS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 27, 2020

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Dexter Criss 
for his work with the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir and the life of 
his son, Dalton Criss.
  Dr. Dexter Criss is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Music 
Director at SUNY Plattsburgh. He has been involved with the Plattsburgh 
State Gospel Choir since 2001. The choir actively performs on campus, 
in the community, and throughout the region. They average 25 
appearances each year in settings including colleges, campus events, K-
12 schools, churches, memorial services, weddings, and other community 
events. For many years, Dr. Criss has led the choir during the annual 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events. Sadly, Dr. Criss is not leading the 
choir in remembrance of Dr. King this year.
  Dr. Criss' wife Barbara and his son Dalton were involved in a serious 
car accident. On August 20th, Dalton tragically passed away from his 
injuries at just 18 years old, while Barbara remained in critical 
condition in Burlington. Dalton had just graduated from Peru High 
School and was planning on beginning his first semester at SUNY 
Plattsburgh the very next week. Dalton was an accomplished football 
player and wrestler for Peru High School, winning the Section VII title 
in the 285-pound class his junior and senior years. He also took after 
his father in his musical ability, playing drums and bass for the Faith 
Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church of Glens Falls.
  Dr. Criss' absence is a further reminder of this tragedy that has 
rocked the Plattsburgh community. On behalf of New York's 21st 
District, I would like to thank Dr. Criss for his amazing work and 
honor the life of his son, Dalton. My thoughts and prayers are with him 
and his family.

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