[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 130 (Monday, July 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING DeMARKO WALKER AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

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                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 26, 2021

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor DeMarko Walker as 
Iowan of the Week. Haircuts can make you feel refreshed, like a new and 
improved version of yourself. At East High School in Des Moines, it can 
also signify you're on the right path. DeMarko Walker has volunteered 
his time at the school since 2019 in order to reward select students 
who are showing initiative when it comes to their education with free 
haircuts.
  DeMarko is a barber at a local barbershop in Des Moines, Universal 
Kutz. DeMarko was looking to use his passion for cutting hair as a way 
to give back to the community that has helped him to become the person 
he is today. Haircuts boost a lot of people's self-confidence and make 
everybody feel good, so he teamed up with East High School in Des 
Moines to create a program for students to get free haircuts.
  DeMarko explained his pop-up barbershop was created for students who 
show progress in areas such as attendance, achievement, and social 
interactions. Since implementing this measure, East High School has 
seen improvements on a case-by-case basis: improved attendance for 
targeted classes, improved achievement for targeted classes, more 
connectivity with the school, and healthier interactions with both 
adults and peers.
  Education is the foundation of so many of our communities and shapes 
our future as a nation. I want to thank DeMarko for everything he is 
doing in the community to make it a better place to live and learn. I 
commend his creative initiatives at East High School. I will continue 
to fight in Congress to support our youth and one of the best ways to 
do that is to support community members like DeMarko. It is my pleasure 
to recognize DeMarko Walker as Iowan of the Week.

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