[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING PATIENCE KENIMOND AS OHIO'S 13TH DISTRICT CHAMPION OF THE 
                                  WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. EMILIA STRONG SYKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 2026

  Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Patience Kenimond 
as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week.
  Patience represents the very best of our community. Her perseverance, 
dedication, and commitment to helping others are truly inspiring. She 
was recently recognized as this year's USA TODAY North Ohio Star 
Student, and I am proud to highlight her incredible achievements.
  Throughout high school at Ellet Community Learning Center in Akron, 
Patience overcame extraordinary challenges while continuing to pursue 
excellence. Despite experiencing homelessness and facing significant 
transportation barriers, she found a way to get to school each day, 
sometimes riding her bike 22 miles and waking up as early as 5 a.m. 
Through her determination and hard work, Patience graduated second in 
her class.
  Patience's accomplishments extend far beyond the classroom. For two 
and a half years, she conducted research alongside a University of 
Akron chemistry professor while also giving back through volunteer 
work, including making blankets for Akron Children's Hospital and 
participating in neighborhood cleanups.
  This fall, Patience will continue her academic journey at the 
University of Toledo through a five-year program that will earn her 
degrees in pharmaceutical science and medicinal chemistry. Her goal is 
to become a pharmacologist and help develop treatments for epilepsy.
  Patience's story inspired local readers to step forward and provide 
support toward her college expenses. She hopes to one day pay that 
generosity forward by creating a scholarship for students facing the 
same transportation challenges she overcame.
  Patience Kenimond's resilience and commitment to helping others 
represent the very best of our district and serve as a reminder that 
Ohio's 13th Congressional District truly is the ``Birthplace of 
Champions.''

                          ____________________