[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 213 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1354-E1355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING JEFF ``THE IRONMAN'' DOWNER ON HIS RETIREMENT AS 
           GROUNDSKEEPER AT PEKIN HIGH SCHOOL AFTER 36 YEARS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 9, 2021

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jeff ``The 
Ironman'' Downer on

[[Page E1355]]

his retirement after 36 years as a Groundskeeper at Pekin Community 
High School.
  Jeff started working at Pekin Community High School as a 
Groundskeeper in 1985 after graduating in 1977. His professionalism, 
attention to detail, and strong work ethic will make him difficult to 
replace. Jeff noticed when he first started work at the high school 
that the field was brown in the middle. It took two and a half years, 
but he was able to grow the field to be green and presentable for the 
students who use it. Jeff is respected because of his dedication to his 
profession and to the school, and is well-liked by everyone there. I 
commend Jeff for his hard work over the years to make Pekin Community 
High School a beautiful place where students are able to learn.
  It is because of community leaders like Jeff Downer that I am 
especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam 
Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Jeff Downer on his 
retirement from Groundskeeping at Pekin Community High School.

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