[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 137 (Friday, August 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                          HONORING ANDREW RONO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM EMMER

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 18, 2023

  Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew Rono, an 
Eagle Scout and student at Blaine High School.
  Andrew is a shining example of what it means to be a community 
servant. For years, he has dedicated his time and energy to helping 
others, especially those in need.
  As a member of the ``Bengals in Action'' Youth Service Club, Andrew 
volunteers at the North Anoka County Emergency food shelf. There he 
helps sort and pack food donations and even delivers meals to those who 
can't easily leave the house.
  While volunteering, Andrew and his friend Aaron noticed that food 
shelf staff members were spending an extraordinary amount of time 
manually entering food shelf orders into the computer.
  Being high school students immersed in technology, Aaron and Andrew 
sprang into action. They created an application to track the food shelf 
data more effectively. Their digital application keeps records of past 
food shelf orders, family members, and dietary restrictions, which 
customers can reuse each time they come in.
  By creating this application, Andrew and Aaron have cut food shelf 
clients waiting time in half, allowing nutritious food to reach its 
destination faster than ever.
  In recognition of their efforts, Andrew and Aaron were recently 
presented with the Congressional Award. The award represents the 
highest Congressional honor available for young Americans.
  Andrew and Aaron are true inspirations and examples of what it means 
to be a community servant. They are bright young men committed to 
making a difference in the world and I look forward to seeing all they 
accomplish in the years to come.

                          ____________________