[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 14, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING MARLENE LAW

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 2025

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
contributions that Ms. Marlene Law has made to our community through 
her work over three decades to promote opportunities for youth with the 
UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County 4-H program. Her tireless efforts have 
been mostly behind the scenes. Marlene supports the core values of 4-H, 
to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility, and life skills in 
young people through experiential learning programs. She is a strong 
role model for the youth in our community. As a long-time 4-H volunteer 
and leader of the Ropin' the Wind 4-H club, she has sought to identify 
needs in the community, set goals, work in partnership with the 4-H 
Agent and County Extension office, and advance educational programs for 
youth. In 1995, with a mission to ``Make the Best Better'', Marlene Law 
was a founding member of the Citrus County 4-H Foundation. Her actions 
planned and produced the 1st Citrus Stampede Rodeo to benefit the 
Citrus County 4-H program, Past Foundation president, Hal Porter 
recounted ``We had a dream, then . . . to raise $100,000 for our county 
4-H program.'' As the Citrus Stampede Rodeo Chairwoman, Marlene Law, 
has raised over $380,000 for the countywide 4-H youth development 
program. This year, the 29th Annual Citrus Stampede Rodeo will continue 
to support youth in our community. Raising money for the local 4-H 
program is a worthy endeavor, but the true impact of those dollars are 
the opportunities they open for young people engaged in Citrus County 
4-H programs. Marlene's support and advocacy for youth development 
provides vital resources for school enrichment programs, residential 
camping programs, adult volunteer training, teen workforce development, 
civic engagement, and graduating senior and 4-H alumni scholarships.
  It is clear that Marlene Law has made a profoundly positive impact on 
our community, and I am grateful for her service. May we all strive to 
serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

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