[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 28, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H5908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE WON FIRST PLACE IN THE ACI EXCELLENCE IN 
                      CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION AWARDS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania). The Chair 
recognizes the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, the American Concrete Institute 
recognizes and awards construction projects across the world every 
year.
  During the 2023 ACI Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards, the 
I-74 Mississippi River Bridge, located in Bettendorf, Iowa, took home 
first place in the infrastructure category.
  This regional project was started with the intention of improving 
access across the Mississippi River. The bridge was recently updated to 
include interchange ramp reconfigurations and interstate and local 
roadways improvements.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the architects, engineers, contractors, 
and suppliers that worked so diligently to improve this vital link 
within the Quad Cities across the Mississippi River.


     Congratulations to Sam Raymond, Carson Guzman, and Ryan Peters

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize three very 
impressive Norwalk High School students and their recent achievements.
  I congratulate Sam Raymond, Carson Guzman, and Ryan Peters for 
receiving the National Speech and Debate Association's 2022-2023 
Speaking and Service Award.
  Every year the National Speech and Debate Association recognizes 
students who go above and beyond in their service to their teams, 
schools, and communities with the Speaking and Debate Service Award.
  From more than 140,000 members, fewer than 140 students receive this 
recognition and reached the maximum number of service points in the 
student honor society.
  These three individuals earned distinction through their impressive 
record for speech and debate competition, as well as community service, 
public speaking, and leadership activities.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, I congratulate Sam Raymond, Carson Guzman, 
and Ryan Peters for their award.


         Recognizing Zach Graham, the 2023 Pat Tillman Scholar

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Zach 
Graham, the 2023 Pat Tillman Scholar.
  This award is inspired by the legacy of Pat Tillman who left the NFL 
to serve as a U.S. Army Ranger and ultimately gave his life in service.
  Zach Graham is a dedicated Army veteran and a third-year graduate 
student at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.
  In 2014, Zach graduated from Iowa State University with a double 
major in anthropology and international studies and a minor in military 
science. Zach commissioned as an intelligence officer in the Army and 
he was stationed in Germany as the lead intelligence officer for the 
Army's aviation unit in Europe.
  Zach transitioned from the military to dentistry when he found his 
calling, a profession that allows him to make a tangible impact with 
precision and artistry.
  Zach Graham's dedication to service above self is truly commendable, 
and we eagerly anticipate the remarkable contributions he will continue 
to make.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Zach on receiving this incredible honor 
and award.


   Congratulations to Mrs. Suzi Jones as Theatre Educator of the Year

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate a 
passionate and impressive educator from Iowa's very own Pella High 
School, Mrs. Suzi Jones.
  Mrs. Jones was recently recognized by the Iowa High School Speech 
Association as their Theatre Educator of the Year.
  Every year, IHSSA selects the winner for this award based on 
community and statewide impact. Mrs. Jones was surprised with this 
award in front of the entire Pella High School student body.
  As a parent, I am grateful to all educators and teachers dedicated to 
shaping the lives of our future generations.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank them for their exceptional effort and, once 
again, I congratulate Mrs. Jones for her award.

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