[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E602-E603]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING MICHELLE KIDD FOR RECEIVING THE ROBERT & ROSEMARY BLAZIER 
                             MEMORIAL AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 23, 2026

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michelle Kidd for 
receiving the Robert & Rosemary Blazier Memorial Award. She has spent 
more than 27 years as an educator in the community, helping prepare 
students academically, professionally, and personally for life beyond 
high school.
  As a lifelong member of the McHenry County community, Michelle 
attended McHenry County College before completing her degree at the 
University of Wisconsin--Whitewater. After graduation, she began her 
career at Cary-Grove High School and later moved to Crystal Lake South 
High School, where she has served as department chair for the past 15 
years.
  During her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in launching the 
D155 Micro-Internship Program, which gives students real-world exposure 
to careers. For approximately 10 hours each week, students work with 
local business partners in fields such as accounting, welding, 
machining, and hospitality. In the 2025-2026

[[Page E603]]

school year, 196 students participated in the program, along with an 
additional 33 students in the summer program.
  Her vision for hands-on learning opportunities has resulted in 
valuable experience for students and job placements immediately after 
high school, benefiting students, local businesses, and the broader 
community. She has also consistently worked to improve the work-study 
curriculum to better reflect evolving workforce needs.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent such a dedicated public servant, 
and I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging Michelle Kidd for 
her selfless service to the Crystal Lake community.

                          ____________________