[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING EMILY HERGENRIDER OF LAUREL

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                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 6, 2020

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Emily Hergenrider 
of Laurel for her resilience as she faces life's challenges and her 
leadership.
   A senior at Laurel High School, Emily was born with 16 congenital 
heart defects and has had seven open-heart surgeries. They are a huge 
part of Emily's life, but she has not let them define her.
   Emily faced one of her most challenging times in seventh grade. She 
had gone through her seventh open-heart surgery and was missing a lot 
of school. As a result, it was recommended she be held back for a year. 
Not wanting to do that, Emily refused to let the circumstances get the 
best of her, and instead used it as motivation.
   Emily worked diligently to catch up in school, even as she recovered 
from surgery and attended numerous follow-up visits. Today, five years 
later, her hard work and drive have paid off. Emily is reaching her 
full potential and is expected to graduate in May.
   In addition to her success in the classroom, Emily serves as 
president of the Laurel High School chapter of Future Farmers of 
America. She says she fell in love with agriculture because of her dad. 
She dreams of one day becoming a rancher and owning cattle. Emily says 
FFA, along with her other extracurricular activities, have motivated 
her to come to school even when she isn't feeling well.
   Emily says she plans to continue her education and earn a degree in 
ag business or ag management. She even already has a few heads of her 
own cattle.
   Madam Speaker, for her persistence and perseverance in the face of 
life's challenges and for her leadership and service, I recognize Emily 
Hergenrider of Laurel for her Spirit of Montana.

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