[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           JOEL LEWIS RECEIVES THE ALUMNI HALL OF FAME AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PAUL COOK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2020

  Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and 
commitment of Joel Lewis, who received the 2020 Alumni Hall of Fame 
Award from the Victor Valley College Foundation on February 22, 2020.
  A dedicated educational advocate, Joel Lewis has made constant 
efforts to give back and mentor various students from Victor Valley 
College (VVC). As an educator at Apple Valley High School, Joel 
distinguishes himself with unrivaled dedication and energy for his job. 
His passion for teaching and coaching is constantly on display as he 
often goes above and beyond for under-served and developmentally 
challenged students. He has coached for seven seasons at Apple Valley 
High School (AVHS) and three seasons at VVC. As a coach to economically 
disadvantaged students, he has personally managed numerous booster 
events and donation drives for AVHS Basketball. He credits much of his 
success to his wife and children, his life-long friends, and his 
students. In 2010, Joel and his family adopted their son, after seeing 
his struggles and that he had nowhere else to go. Through mentorship, 
patience, and love, he became the valedictorian of Apple Valley High 
School and went on to study at Georgetown University.
  On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I would like 
to congratulate Joel Lewis on this award. Joel has led an incredible 
life filled with service and dedication to his students and community, 
and he is most deserving of this award.

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