[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 131 (Monday, August 10, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING ABBY LaPOLE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. EMILIA STRONG SYKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, August 10, 2026

  Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Abby LaPole of Massillon as 
Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week for July 27th 
after being awarded Stark County Girls Athlete of the Year.
  Abby earned this honor following a historic career at Jackson High 
School. At this year's Ohio High School Athletic Association's Track 
and Field Championships, Abby captured her third consecutive state 
title in girls' seated shot put with a final-attempt throw of 21 feet, 
7.5 inches. She leaves high school as a three-time state champion and 
the all-time Stark County record holder in the event, with her top 
throw of 23 feet, 5.75 inches this season cementing her place among the 
best athletes in Stark County history.
  A dedicated student-athlete, Abby has spent years putting in the work 
to excel in competition while representing Jackson, Massillon, Stark 
County, and Ohio's 13th Congressional District with pride. Through her 
achievements, Abby has shown the strength of adaptive athletics and the 
opportunities available to athletes who pursue their goals at the 
highest levels of competition.
  She embodies why our district is proudly known as the ``Birthplace of 
Champions.''
  I congratulate Abby on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate 
all she has accomplished.

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