[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 153 (Thursday, September 18, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING FOX LAKE, ILLINOIS MAYOR DONNY SCHMIT ON HIS INDUCTION INTO 
              THE GRANT COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2025

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, and 
Fox Lake, Illinois's 23rd Mayor, Donny Schmit, a public servant, 
community leader, and proud alumnus of Grant Community High School. I 
am proud to recognize Mayor Schmit for his decades of dedicated service 
to the people of Fox Lake and his lifelong commitment to civic and 
community engagement. And I am proud that Donny's service is now 
forever recognized with his induction this year into the Grant 
Community High School Hall of Fame.
  The Grant Community High School Hall of Fame honors alumni who have 
achieved distinction, outstanding accomplishment, or significant 
contribution in their professions, their communities, their schools, 
their families, or their personal lives. Inductees are chosen as role 
models for students and as examples of the excellence the school seeks 
to inspire. Donny's life and career undoubtedly reflect these very 
ideals.
  Donny graduated from Grant in 1971, where he lettered in both 
football and wrestling. Following high school, he embarked on a 
successful career in the trades, but his true calling has been in 
service to his hometown community. Over the years, he has served as a 
Village Trustee, Planning Commission Board member, and is currently in 
his fourth consecutive term as Mayor of Fox Lake. In this role, Donny 
has been a steadfast supporter of Grant High School, regularly 
attending events, welcoming student interns to the Village, 
incorporating student voices into municipal planning, and honoring 
students and coaches.
  His service extends well beyond his mayoral responsibilities. Donny 
dedicated more than 25 years as a volunteer with the Fox Lake Fire 
Department, coached young athletes with the Lakeland Cardinals, and 
helped lead programs with the Lions Club, including as an instructor 
for the blind bowling league. In addition, he has been an active member 
of his church, where he received the Christi Fidelis Award from 
Cardinal Francis George for his exceptional volunteer work.
  Through his leadership, Donny has guided significant improvements to 
the Village of Fox Lake and has been a tireless advocate for his 
community. He embodies the values of service, leadership, and integrity 
and serves as a role model for students and citizens alike.
  As part of his Hall of Fame induction, Donny will be celebrated 
during a series of homecoming events--including a reception, pep 
assembly, the varsity football game, and the homecoming parade--giving 
the community and students alike the opportunity to honor his 
achievements.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mayor 
Donny Schmit for his extraordinary service to Fox Lake, his devotion to 
Grant Community High School, and his well-deserved induction into the 
Grant Community High School Hall of Fame. His contributions will have a 
lasting impact, and his example will continue to inspire future 
generations.

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