[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 160 (Tuesday, September 30, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E919]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING JOSEPH DRURY CONNER AS OHIO'S 13TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 
                          CHAMPION OF THE WEEK

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                        HON. EMILIA STRONG SYKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2025

  Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Jackson High 
School Automotive Teacher Joseph Drury as Ohio's 13th Congressional 
District Champion of the Week.
  Joseph was recently awarded a $50,000 prize for his school's skilled 
trades program as a winner of the 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools 
Prize for Teaching Excellence. He is 1 of just 25 teachers around the 
country to be honored with this award--a true testament to his 
determination to better the lives of his students.
  This annual award was created to recognize excellence among high 
school skilled trades teachers, a group of educators that is frequently 
overlooked and underappreciated, yet so important to ensure that 
students have the tools to excel in a career in the trades.
  Inspired by his own experiences as a high school student, he told his 
automotive instructor on graduation day that he wanted to be a teacher 
one day, too. He has 15 years of industry experience in dealerships and 
six years as a bus mechanic for Jackson Local Schools. Joseph is most 
passionate about sharing his love for automobiles with students, seeing 
them grow more confident as they acquire the knowledge and skills to 
become self-sufficient with automotive operation and upkeep.
  By using real-world scenarios and hands-on projects, students gain 
practical experience with modern repair technologies, preparing them 
for future careers in the automotive industry. The Automotive 
Technology Program at Jackson High School prepares students to be high-
tech automotive technicians, move into advanced training within the 
industry, or earn an associate degree in the automotive technology 
field.
  Joseph's students have a 95 percent job placement rate within six 
months of graduation, with many students employed at local auto shops, 
dealerships, or starting their own businesses. In the last 3 years, 
100% of students enrolled in Joseph's automotive technology classes 
have graduated, and 85% of them have done so after earning one or more 
industry certifications. Thank you Joseph for doing this work to 
inspire the next generation of skilled mechanics.
  With this award, and all the hard work that came before it, Joseph is 
a shining example why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is known as 
the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' He has certainly made Jackson High 
School and our greater community proud.

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