[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 121 (Tuesday, July 15, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H3254-H3255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING DUVAL COUNTY, FLORIDA

  (Mr. Bean of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Duuuval.
  Mr. Speaker, football fans across the Southeast will recognize that 
as the rallying cry for the Jacksonville Jaguars. You may wonder how 
many u's are in that rallying cry. The answer is: No one really knows. 
How about that?
  Everyone knows that there is one ``a'' in that rallying cry, and that 
is the reason, Mr. Speaker, I want to focus on that ``a'' because, for 
the first time ever, Duval County schools received an A grade from the 
State of Florida Department of Education.
  It is a big deal. It is a big deal in northeast Florida. This 
momentous accomplishment reflects the hard work and unwavering 
commitment of our students, educators, administrators, families, and 
parents. It reflects years of progress, innovation, and a community-
wide effort to achieve educational excellence.
  Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier, the 
school board, and the steadfast efforts of teachers and staff across 
the district, Duval County has not only met the State's rigorous 
standards, but it has surpassed them, Mr. Speaker.
  To the parents who have stayed involved, to the students who rose to 
the challenge, and to every member of Team Duval, I thank them. Their 
success is a shining example of what happens when a community believes 
in its children and backs that belief with action.
  I congratulate Duval on this well-deserved recognition. Duuuval--I 
can't say it enough.


                     honoring nassau county pirates

  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am a Pirate, arrgh.
  Mr. Speaker, you might think of a pirate as someone who takes what 
isn't theirs, but in Nassau County, Florida, a Pirate is someone who 
earns everything they have with grit, heart, and honor.
  I rise today, Mr. Speaker, as a proud Pirate, a graduate of 
Fernandina Beach High School, and a product of Nassau County Schools. 
Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise with great pride to recognize a historic 
achievement. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Kathy Burns, 
the Nassau County School Board, and a tremendous support team, Nassau 
County Schools has been named

[[Page H3255]]

number one in the State of Florida by the Department of Education. 
Number one goes to Nassau County. Even more impressive is that every 
single school in the district earned an A rating from the Department of 
Education.
  It is not just about grades, Mr. Speaker. It is a reflection of 
community vision, a commitment to excellence, and a belief in every 
student's potential.
  I thank our teachers for sparking curiosity and building confidence. 
I thank our qualified administrators for their steady leadership. I 
thank our families and parents for their support at home and for making 
students do their homework. I thank the students. They are the future 
of Nassau County, America, and this great Nation.
  With their hard work and determination, the future is bright as ever. 
Of course, Mr. Speaker, I will always be partial to the Pirates, but I 
know they are not the only champions in town. Here is to all of our 17 
schools in Nassau County and all 12,000 of our incredible students.
  Let's go Warriors, Hornets, Flashes, and Pirates. Their pride, 
passion, and pursuit of excellence make our county, our Nation, and our 
community much stronger.


              building on clay county's strong foundation

  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, when people think of a strong 
foundation, they often think of something built on rock, not clay. 
However, in Clay County, Florida, we are proving them wrong. That is 
because here, the foundation that lasts is built on education.
  Today, I rise, Mr. Speaker, to proudly recognize Clay County District 
Schools in northeast Florida for, once again, earning an A rating from 
the Department of Education.
  This continued success reflects the dedication of students, 
educators, administrators, and families working together to achieve 
excellence.
  Under the leadership of Superintendent David Broskie, a committed 
school board, and the tremendous support team, Clay County has built a 
culture of winning, where teachers are supported, students are 
challenged, and families are engaged.
  I thank everyone who makes this success possible.
  Clay County doesn't just aim for excellence. It delivers it.
  I congratulate Clay County and Clay County Schools. Their achievement 
is a win that proves that excellence doesn't just come from stone. It 
is forged in Clay.

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