[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4135-H4136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING BREVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

  (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students, 
teachers, and the proud parents of Brevard County Public Schools for 
earning an A grade from the Florida Department of Education.
  As a former history teacher myself, I know that success is not 
measured by a single test or a single classroom. It is the result of 
years of hard work by students and dedicated teachers who value 
learning.
  This A rating reflects academic performance, student achievement, 
graduation rates, and college and career readiness for our future.
  On Florida's Space Coast, our schools are preparing for the next 
generation

[[Page H4136]]

of engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, servicemembers, and community 
leaders.
  I commend the school board: Megan Wright, Gene Trent, John Thomas, 
Katye Campbell, and their chairman, Matt Susin, for their incredible 
work along with our superintendent, Dr. Mark Rendell.
  Their leadership and their passion make this A grade possible.


          Recognizing Brevard County Medal of Merit Recipients

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
outstanding group of young leaders in our Space Coast.
  Recently, I had the privilege of honoring the 2026 Brevard County 
Medal of Merit recipients, a tradition established by my predecessor, 
the late Congressman Bill Posey.
  Each year, local high schools select one graduating senior who 
exemplifies academic achievement, character, leadership, and service to 
others.
  These students have distinguished themselves not just in the 
classroom but by setting an example to others in their school.
  As a former history teacher, I have always believed that education 
not only opens doors but it is the ultimate civil right and 
opportunity.
  These students recognized in this Medal of Merit program represent 
the best of our public schools, and they are why I am very excited 
about the future of America. I congratulate this year's recipients and 
wish them the very best in their future academic endeavors. I know they 
will serve us well.


                      Recognizing Dennis Woytowitz

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very 
important man in our community, Dennis Woytowitz of Cocoa, Florida, who 
is making a real difference on Florida's Space Coast and the health of 
the Indian River Lagoon.
  As the founder of Space Coast Water Sweep, Dennis has dedicated 
himself to locating and removing derelict crab traps and marine debris 
that threaten wildlife and the lagoon.
  Working under a permit authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife 
Conservation Commission, Dennis and his volunteers help remove these 
hazards from our waterways. Dennis also created an online tool that 
allows other citizens to submit photos and solve problems.
  I thank Dennis and his volunteers of Space Coast Water Sweep for 
their commitment to preserving the Indian River Lagoon.


       Highlighting Innovative Solutions for Indian River Lagoon

  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an innovative 
effort on Florida's Space Coast to improve the health of the Indian 
River Lagoon.
  The city of Titusville has partnered with local organizations and 
businesses to pilot a new water treatment technology that uses 
nanobubbles to improve water quality and also reduce harmful nutrients 
in our lagoon.
  The Indian River Lagoon is one of North America's most diverse 
estuaries. It supports marine wildlife, recreational fishing, tourism, 
and thousands of local jobs.
  This project brings together local government, private industry, and 
community stakeholders to test new solutions that could help restore 
and preserve this national treasure.
  From launching astronauts into space to developing new technologies 
here at home, innovation is part of what we are on the Space Coast.

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