[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 113 (Thursday, June 18, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE CLASS OF 2020 AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2020

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, in honor of all of this year's graduates, I 
am proud to recognize the Class of 2020 across Iowa's Third 
Congressional District as our Iowans of the Week. As we near the end of 
the semester for thousands of students, I ask that you all join me in 
taking a moment to acknowledge their accomplishments over the course of 
the year and congratulate them on this achievement as they move forward 
in their lives and toward their next endeavors.
  Unfortunately, many of the traditions and ceremonies our graduates 
would typically look forward to have been cancelled. The pageantry and 
tradition of turned tassels, pomp and circumstance, and the bestowing 
of the degree or the diploma will sadly not come this year. And just as 
this pandemic has denied graduates these moments, so too has it 
compounded the daily challenges of life these students have faced.
  As distance learning has become the new norm, these students have 
developed a whole new appreciation for the academic, social, and 
emotional supports that have helped them along the way. While these 
unfortunate circumstances have clouded a typically joyous time of year, 
it has been remarkable to see students rise to the challenge, adapt, 
and learn with little time to plan. They transitioned to online and 
distance learning and were able to come out on the other side more 
resilient as they finish the final days of their final year.
  Iowa's teachers and students have been innovative and have stepped up 
to support their local communities, showing just what we are capable of 
in the face of adversity. Some students are even working around the 
clock to produce face shields for health care workers, as well as 
creating masks for friends and family.
  The students of the Class of 2020 deserve special recognition this 
week for their willingness to forego many of the most cherished 
traditions of their final year in order to help the greater community. 
These students represent the heart of Iowa's communities and will be 
the next generation of leaders who will still be faced with the 
problems of today later down the road.
  I am grateful for every member of the Class of 2020 who has completed 
a great milestone in their lives to become a better and more educated 
citizen who will contribute great things to our society we have yet to 
even think of. So please allow me to express my deep appreciation and 
thanks to every graduating student in Iowa's Third Congressional 
District by honoring them today as Iowans of the Week.

                          ____________________