[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 113 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H4483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING BROOKE CHILDERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
sincere gratitude for Brooke Ann Childers, our amazing district 
director in Savannah.
  Brooke passionately served the First Congressional District of 
Georgia for many years, and our district is better off for her hard 
work and dedication.
  As our district director, Brooke has ensured that the highest level 
of constituent outreach and services are met throughout the district.
  From cofounding the southeastern Rotary E-Club to volunteering across 
Georgia's First District, Brooke continues to improve our community in 
her professional and private life. She is a member of several women's 
GOP groups and the First Congressional District GOP.
  In every aspect of Brooke's time with us, she has prioritized the 
growth, well-being, and empowerment of the people she encounters.
  I am forever grateful for her leadership in our district office and 
representation in our community.
  I wish Brooke good luck in her future endeavors. We surely will miss 
her.


                       Recognizing Charlie Condon

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
University of Georgia baseball player Charlie Condon who recently was 
awarded the Golden Spikes Award.
  This award is given annually to the premier amateur baseball player 
in the country, combining on-field accolades with a penchant for 
sportsmanship.
  Condon began his career at Georgia as a walk-on and ended his career 
as the single-season home-run leader at Georgia.
  He broke the Georgia program record in just two seasons of being in 
the lineup, hitting 62 home runs in only 116 games.
  Charlie also led the country in home runs, batting average, slugging 
percentage, total bases, and OPS this season as well.
  Not only is he the university's first Golden Spikes Award winner, but 
he is also the first Dick Howser Trophy winner, as well as the Bobby 
Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award winner.
  In addition to his stellar hitting, he was also well accomplished in 
the field, playing first and third base and all three outfield 
positions.
  I congratulate Charlie on an amazing career at the University of 
Georgia. I look forward to seeing how many more home runs he hits in 
his professional career.


                   Recognizing Bernadette Ball-Oliver

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
distinguished career of Mrs. Bernadette Ball-Oliver following her 
recent retirement from the Savannah-Chatham County Public School 
System.
  Mrs. Ball-Oliver completed her successful 35-year career as the 
deputy superintendent of teaching and learning for the school system 
where she always put the needs of students first.
  She graduated from Beach High School and returned to Savannah's 
public school system as a high school English teacher.
  Throughout her career, she served as a teacher, an assistant 
principal, a principal, and worked in the central office as a school 
turnaround executive director for her alma mater before becoming deputy 
superintendent.
  Mrs. Ball-Oliver is known for her dedication to promoting what is 
best for students and improving educational outcomes for students 
across Savannah.
  I know I join all students, parents, and employees of the Savannah-
Chatham County Public School System in wishing Mrs. Ball-Oliver a 
wonderful, well-deserved retirement.


                    Recognizing Dr. Russell T. Keen

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the 
exciting news that Augusta University has named its next president, my 
friend, Dr. Russell T. Keen.
  The Georgia Board of Regents voted for Keen to lead the university, 
which includes the primary medical and dental school in the State.
  I echo the words of USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue when I say that we 
are looking forward to seeing how Dr. Keen continues to push Augusta 
University toward being one of the best research universities in the 
Nation and to set its students up for lifelong success.
  Keen is well equipped for the new position as he has over 20 years of 
experience in higher education, including his current role as executive 
vice president for administration and chief of staff to the retiring 
president.
  I congratulate Russell. He is more than qualified to lead this 
prestigious institution. I know he will serve the Augusta community 
very well.

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