[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 134 (Wednesday, July 29, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2020 CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF MERIT

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                            HON. BILL POSEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2020

  Mr. POSEY. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this time to 
congratulate this year's recipients of the Congressional Medal of 
Merit, which I am proud to present to 23 outstanding high school 
seniors of Florida's 8th District for their leadership and dedication, 
inside and outside of the classroom.
  Each year, the most distinguished high school seniors are nominated 
by their schools to receive this honor in recognition of their 
outstanding academic achievement, commitment to the betterment of their 
communities, civic works, and leadership in the classroom. This year's 
recipients are no exception and I am glad that their hard work and 
dedication can be celebrated and recognized in this way.
  This year's recipients for Brevard County are Jenna Reed, Astronaut 
High School, Donald Burkhardt, Bayside High School, Amber Moore, Cocoa 
High School, Trevor Evetts, Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High School, Thomas 
Foland, Eau Gallie High School, Haleigh Woloszak, Edgewood Jr/Sr High 
School, Michaela Chua, Heritage High School, Heather Motro, Holy 
Trinity Episcopal Academy, Edward Brunger, Melbourne Central Catholic 
School, Carmel Alshaibi, Melbourne High School, Olivia Mehalic, Merritt 
Island High School, Kristi Howell, Odysey Charter Jr/Sr High School, 
Anthony Cardoza, Palm Bay Magnet High School, Corey Pecot, Rockledge 
High School, Nathaniel Basford, Satellite High School, Danielle Marie, 
Space Coast Jr/Sr High School, Elijah Viera, Titusville High School, 
Gavin Keith, Viera High School, and Alyssa Holmquist, West Shore Jr/Sr 
High School.
  From Indian River County, I am proud to honor Hailey Pedreira, Indian 
River Charter High School, Kylei Oakes, Saint Edward's School, 
Christopher Cordner, Sebastian River High School, and Benny Rackard 
from Vero Beach High School.
  This year has presented many challenges for students, most of who 
were unexpectantly forced to transition to online learning and 
unfortunately didn't get to experience in person graduation ceremonies. 
I am proud that these distinguished individuals braved through and 
continued to promote and practice excellence during this trying time.
  Let me say to these fine students that while we are unable to 
congratulate you this year with an in-person ceremony, please know how 
proud I am of each of your accomplishments and it is an honor to bestow 
the Congressional Medal of Merit to you this year. I know that you will 
take what you have learned and go on to serve our community in myriad 
ways. I look forward to seeing what you will achieve in the future.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding these outstanding 
students for their dedication to excellence.

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