[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 195 (Wednesday, November 19, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING SHAE PARKS

  (Ms. McBride of Delaware was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Shae Parks, a 
teacher in Milford, Delaware, one of just three teachers in the entire 
Nation to receive the American Civic Education Teacher Award.
  In her classroom, Ms. Parks is teaching young minds more than just 
facts and dates, but the strength and power of our democracy. This 
honor recognizes educators who spark curiosity about the Constitution, 
government, and civic life.
  At Milford High School, Ms. Parks is shaping the continued strength 
of our democracy by preparing her students to enter the world with 
critical skills of engagement. She describes the importance of civic 
education as imperative to the future of our democracy and believes 
``students need to enter the world with the ability and willingness to 
engage in civic discourse with everyone around them, not just those 
they agree with,'' something this Chamber could use more of.
  It is through model educators like Ms. Parks that Delaware pushes 
students to expand both their knowledge of and engagement with the 
mechanisms of government.
  Milford is proud of her. Delaware is proud of her. I am proud to 
stand here today and lift up this dedicated educator.
  Like Ms. Parks, I urge my colleagues to support civic education 
wherever it is happening because our democracy depends on it.


                      Recognizing Frank Coverdale

  Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of Kent and 
Sussex Counties' most committed neighbors, Frank ``Fresh'' Coverdale.
  Fresh has been described as the ultimate ambassador for the Food Bank 
of Delaware, where he spent 22 years delivering food to working 
families throughout Delaware.
  A native of Harrington, Fresh has been giving back to his community 
for his whole life and is a friendly face to all that he meets, a trait 
that has earned him an endearing reputation among his neighbors.
  For over two decades, he has been out on Delaware's back roads, 
delivering more than meals. He is delivering dignity. In a State where 
one in eight of our neighbors faces food insecurity, that matters.
  Fresh sees the need up close and responds the only way he knows how: 
with heart, with humor, and a can-do spirit.
  Other than feeding his neighbors and connecting with those he serves, 
Fresh is famously a Philadelphia Eagles fanatic. Pulling up in his 
truck, people come out of their homes when they hear him because they 
trust him, and they look forward to the playful banter he brings along. 
They know that he knows their names, their stories, and their teams. 
They know he will make sure they leave with enough food for the week 
and maybe a little extra.
  Fresh is the longest serving employee at the Food Bank of Delaware. 
He is a model for compassion, the kind that strengthens communities, 
especially when families are stretched thin.
  Today and every day, Delaware is better because of Frank Coverdale.
  I congratulate Fresh on his years of service, and of course, Go 
Birds.


                  Celebrating Delaware Reading Assist

  Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Delaware Reading 
Assist, which last month was recognized on the world stage, selected as 
1 of just 15 organizations worldwide honored by the Library of Congress 
for successful practices in literacy.
  A remarkable achievement for Delaware, Reading Assist is a nonprofit 
built on a simple but powerful belief: Every child deserves the chance 
to read. Their AmeriCorps Fellows work every day in our schools, 
shoulder-to-shoulder with teachers, helping struggling readers build 
confidence, skills, and joy.
  Their CEO said this recognition reflects the trust placed in them by 
educators, the hard work of their Fellows, and the resilience of the 
students themselves.
  Moreover, Acting Librarian of Congress Newlen said the awardees this 
year had a particular focus on family and community, something 
Delawareans know is at the heart of our State's success.
  Being 1 of only 15 honorees, alongside programs from States across 
the country, Kenya, and Scotland, shows that Delaware's approach is an 
international model.
  Today, I am honored to congratulate Reading Assist for proving what 
is possible when we invest in our children and meet them where they 
are. That is how we close gaps and how we strengthen literacy and 
thereby strengthen communities, through investment in our children's 
potential.

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