[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 22, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H264-H265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING PRESIDENTIAL CITIZENS MEDAL RECIPIENT PAULA WALLACE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Crawford). The Chair recognizes the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
achievement of Paula Wallace, who was awarded the Presidential Citizens 
Medal this month.
  Paula Wallace dreamed of a school that would transform how we think 
about public education. By establishing the esteemed Savannah College 
of Art and Design and serving as its president, Ms. Wallace has 
fulfilled this dream and guided thousands of students into creative 
industries.
  The Presidential Citizens Medal was awarded to 20 recipients who 
performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or fellow 
citizens. Recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal are 
characterized by their common decency and commitment to serving others, 
which Ms. Wallace has demonstrated by being a lifelong educator and 
trailblazer of the arts.
  Ms. Wallace was selected to be among the distinguished group honored 
at the White House because her dedication and vision have made our 
Nation and Georgia's First Congressional District better.
  We congratulate Ms. Wallace on this honorable achievement and 
recognition for all of her hard work. On a personal note, we thank her 
for everything she has done for my hometown of Savannah, Georgia. I 
continue to say that SCAD transformed Savannah, Georgia.


                      Honoring Reverend Wayne Racz

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend 
Wayne Racz whose retirement marks the culmination of over 25 years of 
faithful service in the ministry.
  Throughout his career, Reverend Racz has been a guiding light in the 
United Methodist Church, serving congregations across south Georgia.
  Most recently, he served as pastor at St. Simons Island United 
Methodist Church and St. Luke in Savannah where he strengthened their 
mission and built meaningful connections within their communities.
  In addition to his role as pastor, Reverend Racz served in leadership 
positions within the United Methodist Church's connectional ministries, 
leaving an unforgettable impact on its missions and outreach.

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  His 9 years at Epworth stand out as a testament to his devotion, 
during which he touched countless lives and expanded God's kingdom.
  As he retires to spend more time with his family and friends, we 
extend our heartfelt gratitude for his remarkable service. While he 
steps away from his former roles, his legacy will endure as an 
ambassador of faith and compassion.


Recognizing the Achievement of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth 
                               Air Force

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
achievement of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force which 
has been named best museum in Georgia Business Journal's 2024 Best of 
Georgia awards.
  The museum exists to educate visitors about the courage, character, 
valor, and patriotism of the brave individuals who fought in the 
largest air armada in history, the Eighth Air Force.
  The museum preserves the stories of these individuals using exhibits, 
archival material, and artifacts including a fully restored B-17 Flying 
Fortress and an immersive simulated bombing experience.
  The Georgia Business Journal conducts the Best of Georgia awards 
every year, allowing the public to vote for their favorite 
organizations across a variety of industries in the State.
  In 2024, the people of Georgia selected the Museum of the Mighty 
Eighth Air Force to be awarded this prestigious honor to celebrate its 
excellence and recognize its dedication to preserving the history and 
legacy of the Eighth Air Force.
  Selected out of over 30 contenders, the award recognizes the museum's 
significant role in education, preservation, and community engagement.
  Congratulations to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air on 
this honorable achievement.

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