[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 95 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3835-H3836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING COACH BARRY SEARCH

  (Mr. Mackenzie of Pennsylvania was recognized to address the House 
for 5 minutes.)
  Mr. MACKENZIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement 
of my friend and a true Lehigh Valley legend, Coach Barry Search of 
Parkland High School.
  For more than three decades, Coach Search helped shape the lives of 
countless student athletes. As the head softball coach, he led Parkland 
to seven conference championships, five district titles, and a 
Pennsylvania State championship in 2015. Along the way, he built a 
program known not only for its victories, but for instilling character, 
discipline, and teamwork in his players.
  His service extends far beyond the softball field. Coach Search spent 
decades as a science teacher, assistant football coach, volunteer 
firefighter, and fire chief, dedicating his life to serving others.
  As he retires, we thank Coach Search for his contributions to 
Parkland, South Whitehall Township, and our entire community.


                         Recognizing Zining Fan

  Mr. MACKENZIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
extraordinary student in our region, Emmaus High School junior, Zining 
Fan.
  Recently, Zining became the first student in Emmaus High School 
history to compete at the Regeneron International Science and 
Engineering Fair, one of the world's most prestigious STEM 
competitions, bringing

[[Page H3836]]

together more than 1,700 students from over 60 countries and 
territories.
  After advancing through local and State competitions, Zining earned 
second place in the world in the mathematics division for his original 
research on knot projections, developing a new mathematical theorem 
that had never been established before.
  His achievement reflects not only exceptional talent and dedication, 
but also the strength of STEM education in the Lehigh Valley and the 
Poconos.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Zining, his family, his teachers, and the 
entire Emmaus High School community on this remarkable accomplishment.


              Honoring the Life of Dr. Percy H. Dougherty

  Mr. MACKENZIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Dr. Percy H. Dougherty of Wescosville, who passed away on May 17 at 
the age of 83.
  Dr. Dougherty dedicated his life to education, public service, and 
the advancement of the Lehigh Valley. As a professor and department 
chair at Kutztown University, he mentored generations of students and 
helped shape the field of geography.
  As a Lehigh County Commissioner for 28 years and a member of the 
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for nearly four decades, he played a 
leading role in guiding the growth and development of our region.
  Dr. Dougherty will be remembered for his intellect, dedication, and 
commitment to improving the community he called home.
  As a friend, I also recognize he had a great sense of humor, and I 
always enjoyed speaking with him when I saw him at local events.
  Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Anne; his 
sons, Robert and Thomas; his grandchildren; and all who had the 
privilege of knowing him.


                      Recognizing Walter Rybarczik

  Mr. MACKENZIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Center Valley 
resident and World War II veteran Walter Rybarczik who recently 
celebrated his 105th birthday.
  Walter served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a radio operator and 
gunner aboard B-24s in the Pacific theater. He flew dozens of dangerous 
missions in service to our Nation, demonstrating extraordinary courage 
and dedication.
  As we recognize this remarkable milestone, we also honor a generation 
whose sacrifice, service, and patriotism helped secure the freedoms 
that we enjoy today.
  As we recognize this remarkable milestone of Walter's 105th birthday, 
the people in the Lehigh Valley want to congratulate Walter and also 
thank him for his service to our country.

                          ____________________