[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2099-H2100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING CAROLYN GRIFFIN

  (Mr. Cline of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, today we honor a woman whose commitment to 
service has shaped Winchester for more than six decades. Carolyn 
Griffin began her community service 60 years ago with the Winchester 
Medical Center Auxiliary and has since become one of its most respected 
and enduring volunteers. From being a long-time participant in the 
hospital's Follies to comforting children and reading to visually-
impaired patients, her compassion has touched countless lives.
  As chairwoman of the Animal Assistive Therapy program, Carolyn leads 
more than two dozen dog handler teams who bring healing and joy to 
patients throughout the hospital. While one extraordinary year produced 
nearly 12,000 volunteer hours, the program typically provides two to 
three thousand hours of therapeutic support each year.
  Her service reaches far beyond the hospital. Carolyn devoted 22 years 
to Winchester City Council, guiding the city with wisdom and heart. Her 
60 years with the Apple Blossom Festival included serving 2 years as 
festival president, and she was honored with the Salvation Army's 
Certificate of Life Membership for five decades of service.
  A small business owner, knitter, and active community member, Carolyn 
Griffin has made Winchester stronger, kinder, and better for all.


                         Honoring Mark Ingerson

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mark Ingerson on 
his selection to the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame. This 
well-deserved honor reflects an exceptional career and a lasting impact 
on students at Salem High School and across the Commonwealth of 
Virginia.
  During his 23 years as head coach of Salem High School's speech--
formerly forensics--and debate teams, Mr. Ingerson built one of the 
most successful programs in VHSL history. His teams captured an 
astonishing 20 VHSL State championships, including a record 19 
consecutive State titles in speech, an extraordinary achievement marked 
by sustained excellence and leadership.
  He coached 103 speech State champions, 59 runners-up, and 5 
individual debate State champions. Beyond competition, he expanded 
opportunities statewide through the founding of the Southwest Virginia 
Forensics League, service on VHSL advisory committees, and the hosting 
of numerous tournaments. His two-time recognition as the National 
Federation of State High School Associations' Outstanding Speech and 
Debate Educator of the Year underscores his national impact.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mark 
Ingerson on his induction into the VHSL Hall of Fame, a career defined 
by excellence and a lasting commitment to empowering student voices.


        Congratulating James Wood High School Girls' Volleyball

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the James Wood High 
School Girls' Volleyball Team on their fourth consecutive VHSL State 
title and on finishing an incredible 30-2 season. This championship is 
especially meaningful for remarkable seniors--Kennedy Spaid and Brenna 
Corbin--who will graduate having won four State titles in four varsity 
seasons and had standout performances. Claire Keefer will graduate with 
three championships and anchored the team with key blocks and aces.
  We also honor Head Coach Adrienne Patrick who closes her sixth and 
final season with yet another championship. From the relentless play of 
teammates Kylee Plumb, Kennedi Bower, Kylie Putt, Reese Justice, Bella 
Middleton, Kyla Wilhelm, Kyleigh Bly, and Macie Hewitt to the late 
surges and unstoppable teamwork, this group showed what it means to 
refuse to quit.
  Today we honor not just a title but a legacy. James Wood became the 
first team in Frederick County history to win four straight State 
championships, a testament to tradition, excellence, and family these 
girls have built together.
  Congratulations to the Colonels. They have made history and have done 
it with heart.


    Congratulating the Glenvar High School Boys' Cross Country Team

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Glenvar High School

[[Page H2100]]

Boys' Cross Country Team on winning their first VHSL Class 2 State 
championship in program history on November 8, 2025, at Green Hill Park 
in Salem, Virginia, not far from their home campus.
  Led by seniors Tyler Davis and Aldin Smith, the Highlanders delivered 
an outstanding performance, finishing with 80 points and edging out 
Clarke County and Stonewall Jackson High Schools. Tyler Davis earned 
All-State honors, while Aldin Smith also captured a Region 2C 
championship earlier this season.
  The championship team includes seniors Tyler Davis and Aldin Smith; 
juniors Evan Harris, Asher Faught, Casey Weeks, Colin Graffeo, and 
Daniel Tozier; sophomores Jackson Wimmer and Cash Malcolm; and freshman 
Zach Davis.
  This historic season was guided by first-year Head Coach James 
Osborne and Coach Rachel Millirons. I congratulate these student-
athletes, their coaches, and the entire Glenvar community on an 
outstanding achievement.

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