[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING CADET MAJOR ARTHI GOURAVELLI
______
HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cadet Major
Arthi Gouravelli, an extraordinary young leader from Hillsborough
County, Florida, whose achievements have brought tremendous pride to
her school, her community, and our Nation.
Cadet Major Arthi Gouravelli, a junior at Middleton High School, has
earned one of the most distinguished honors in Junior Reserve Officers'
Training Corps history. She has been named the national recipient of
the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution JROTC
Award, making her the number one JROTC cadet among more than 600,000
cadets worldwide across all branches of service. This remarkable
accomplishment is a testament to Cadet Gouravelli's exceptional
leadership, unwavering discipline, academic excellence, and outstanding
character. Her journey to this national recognition began with
selection by the Tampa Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution,
followed by victories at the state level in Florida, before ultimately
achieving the highest honor at the national level. In doing so, she
distinguished herself among cadets from across the United States and
Department of Defense Education Activity schools overseas. Her
achievement places her at the pinnacle of more than 3,400 JROTC
programs worldwide, representing every branch of the United States
Armed Forces. These programs include approximately 1,700 Army JROTC
programs serving more than 314,000 cadets, 878 Air Force JROTC programs
serving over 125,000 cadets, 573 Navy JROTC programs serving nearly
100,000 cadets, and 278 Marine Corps JROTC programs serving
approximately 50,000 cadets, along with additional Coast Guard and
Space Force affiliated programs.
To rise above such an accomplished and competitive field is truly
extraordinary. Cadet Major Gouravelli's success reflects not only her
own determination and work ethic, but also the strength of the
educational and leadership opportunities provided by Hillsborough
County Public Schools and its dedicated JROTC instructors and mentors.
At a time when our Nation looks to the next generation for
leadership, service, and integrity, Cadet Major Gouravelli stands as an
inspiring example of what young Americans can achieve through hard
work, commitment, and a dedication to serving others. Her
accomplishments embody the very best values of the JROTC program:
citizenship, character, leadership, and service before self.
On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I
congratulate Cadet Major Arthi Gouravelli on this historic achievement
and thank her for representing Florida's students and future leaders
with such distinction. I wish her continued success in all her future
endeavors.
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