[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 7, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOE ARNOLD

  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, I rise today in celebration of Joe 
Arnold, head custodian at Hot Springs County School District No. 1 in 
Thermopolis, WY.
  Joe's career as a custodian in Wyoming schools spans 60 years. To 
honor this outstanding achievement, students, teachers, and 
administrators will gather on February 21, 2024, to celebrate the 
renaming of the central administration building to the Joe Arnold 
Central Administration Building.
  Joe was 21 years old in 1964 when he began as a custodian for Carbon 
County School District No. 1 in Rawlins, WY. After 22 years in Rawlins, 
Joe moved to Thermopolis, where he worked at Hamilton Dome Elementary 
School. When the elementary school closed, he transferred to the 
building that now bears his name. Joe's commitment to the school 
district and its students is unmatched. And his commitment to his 
community is unmistakable. It is not uncommon to see Joe shoveling snow 
before sunrise or escorting senior folks to the auditorium for events 
after school hours.
  Joe often invests the money he earns as a custodian back into his 
community. He pays for countless lunches and school field trips for 
students who cannot afford them. He has even helped with expenses for 
higher education. Joe's selflessness and generosity are unrivaled. He 
is the first to place a bid on auction items at fundraising events, 
then generously donates them back to be auctioned off again. Joe's true 
passion lies in helping students. As a mentor, he is always there to 
listen to their problems and offer advice whenever they need it. 
Graduation announcements and school photos from former students cover 
the walls of his office. After six decades of maintaining clean and 
healthy schools, Joe Arnold has no intention of retiring. However, as 
he arrives at work each day, Joe now sees his name on the building he 
works tirelessly to maintain.
  It is with great honor that I recognize the exemplary dedication of 
Joe Arnold. Hard work is the Wyoming way, and few work harder than Joe. 
My sincere congratulations to Joe Arnold as the Hot Springs County 
School District No. 1 Central Administration Building is renamed in his 
honor.

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