[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 2025 SOUTH FAIRFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ACHIEVEMENT 
                          HONORS GALA HONOREES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2025

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the South 
Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and the honorees of the 2025 Achievement 
Honors Gala. Each year, the Chamber brings together community and 
business leaders and extraordinary individuals who exemplify service, 
innovation, and dedication to our community.
  This year's Member to Watch Award recipient is Dr. Swathi M. Reddy of 
All Smiles Orthodontics. A native of India and a lifelong learner, Dr. 
Reddy has pursued excellence in her field across three countries. She 
earned her dental degree in India, her DMD from Boston University where 
she graduated with high honors and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa 
Upsilon honor fraternity, and her specialization in Orthodontics from 
the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. As a local practitioner and 
community leader, Dr. Reddy has donated 3D printers to elementary 
schools and actively supports numerous professional organizations. She 
is a great example of how professional excellence can be paired with 
deep community investment.
  The Community Impact Award honors two remarkable individuals: Elena 
Jordon and Ron Kowalski, both of whom have made lasting contributions 
to South Fairfax.
  For more than a decade, Elena Jordon has volunteered with the South 
County Athletic Booster Club, raising over $40,000 annually and helping 
organize major community events such as the Lorton Holiday Extravaganza 
and the Spring Fling. As co-founder of The Emma Jordon Kidz Fighting 
Cancer Foundation named in honor of her daughter, Elena has raised over 
$140,000 in support of pediatric oncology research and families at 
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Her legacy of service is 
driven not only by experience, as a veteran of the Army Nurse Corps, 
but also by her compassion.
  Ron Kowalski, founding member of the Chamber and leader of the Ron K 
Real Estate Group, has also played a pivotal role in the community. For 
the past ten years, he has served on the Board of the Lorton Community 
Action Center and organized the popular Monopoly Tournament fundraiser, 
now in its 16th year. His dedication to civic life exemplifies the 
spirit of leadership that strengthens our community.
  The Chamber also supports the next generation of business leaders 
through its Student Pro-Growth Business Scholarships, which recognize 
outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated entrepreneurial 
spirit and academic achievement. I am proud to congratulate and include 
in the Record the 2025 scholarship recipients:

       Gavin Flynn, South County High School
       Christine Le, Mount Vernon High School
       Ella Ridgway, Lake Braddock Secondary School
       Zachary Allen, South County High School
       Aidan Barker, West Springfield High School

  These students represent the best of South Fairfax's future, and 
their achievements give us great hope for the years ahead.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
2025 honorees and thanking the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce for 
its ongoing work to support local businesses and recognize community 
champions.

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