[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 119 (Wednesday, July 12, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S2355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING MAXWELL ``MAX'' EMERSON

 Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, today I rise to pay tribute to the 
remarkable life and enduring legacy of Maxwell ``Max'' Emerson, a 
cherished teacher, coach, mentor, and dear friend to many whose 
compassion, kindness, and dedication touched the hearts of all who knew 
him.
  Over the recent Fourth of July weekend, Max, a vibrant 25-year-old 
teacher and coach at his alma mater Oldham County High School, traveled 
to Washington, DC, for his upcoming professional development hours at 
the Library of Congress. He was assigned these hours to fulfill the 
requirements for a grant he had been awarded, which would afford him 
the opportunity to immerse himself in Vietnam's educational system. 
With both his father, a retired principal of South Oldham High School, 
and his mother, a dedicated teacher at Oldham County Middle School, 
education was truly in his blood.
  On the morning of July 5 in Washington, DC, Max set out for his 
professional development hours, but he never reached his destination. 
Instead, his light was tragically extinguished. Max fell victim to a 
senseless act of violence, robbed at gunpoint on the campus of Catholic 
University, ultimately losing his life.
  Max was the true representation of a champion to the Oldham County 
community. He was a beacon of inspiration and led his very accomplished 
life through kindness, dedication, and faith. Max was a natural-born 
leader and a talented athlete who was admired by all who had the 
privilege of crossing paths with him. His unwavering dedication and 
genuine care for his students, athletes, friends, and community were 
evident in every action he took. Countless individuals can testify to 
Max's willingness to lend a helping hand a put a smile on their face.
  Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Max took on the responsibility of 
overseeing the credit recovery program, ensuring that no student fell 
behind and that everyone remained on track academically despite the 
school closures. It is worth noting that Max achieved an outstanding 
100 percent pass rate.
  Max devoted his life to serving others, and his extraordinary impact 
will forever remain etched in the Oldham County community. Anyone who 
had the privilege of meeting Max can attest to the profound positive 
influence he had on their lives. His legacy will be remembered by the 
very phrase he lived his own life by: ``Champions Find a Way!''
  While his untimely departure has left an immense void that will be 
challenging to fill, his students and athletes carry his memories and 
legacy forward. Today I stand in solidarity with his grieving family, 
friends, and the entire Oldham County community as we mourn the tragic 
loss of a remarkable soul.

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