[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 200 (Monday, December 1, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
                      RECOGNIZING VALENCIA ABBOTT

  (Ms. Foxx of North Carolina was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Valencia Abbott, of 
Rockingham Early College High School, who was recently named the 2025 
National History Teacher of the Year.
  This is a monumental accomplishment and one that speaks volumes to 
Ms. Abbott's passion for education and her dedication to the students 
she serves.
  Not only is Ms. Abbott the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year, 
but she is also the 2025 North Carolina History Teacher of the Year.
  Mr. Speaker, it is clear to me and to countless others that Ms. 
Abbott represents the best that Rockingham County Schools and North 
Carolina have to offer.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Ms. Abbott on her well-deserved 
recognition, and I thank her for her continued dedication to educating 
Rockingham County's future leaders.


              Recognizing Vance Dalton Upon His Retirement

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Vance Dalton, who recently 
retired from AgSouth Farm Credit after three decades of unwavering, 
passionate service.
  I have been very fortunate to call Vance a friend for many years. He 
is a salt-of-the-earth person who is loyal, caring, and pleasant to 
everyone he meets. He has a deep faith that stands him in good stead.
  During his time at Farm Credit, he built long-lasting friendships and 
relationships with the people Farm Credit is proud to serve, and he 
created long-lasting value every step of the way.
  Mr. Speaker, everyone who is fortunate enough to have worked 
alongside Vance, to know him, or to even call him a friend agrees with 
this sentiment.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Vance on a well-earned retirement. May 
God continue to bless him and his family as he enters a new and 
exciting chapter in his life.


                        Recognizing Scottie Cook

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Scottie Cook, a career 
and technical education teacher in the Alexander County School System.
  In September, Mr. Cook was recognized as a winner of the Harbor 
Freight Tools for Schools Prize for teaching excellence. Mr. Cook was 1 
of only 25 winners throughout the entire Nation and the only teacher in 
North Carolina to receive the award in 2025, a remarkable 
accomplishment, Mr. Speaker.
  Mr. Cook's passion and service with a career in technical education 
have left an indelible mark on the lives of his students. There is no 
question about it.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Cook on this well-deserved 
recognition.

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