[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING SOUTH STOKES HIGH SCHOOL MARINE CORPS JROTC

  (Ms. Foxx of North Carolina was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the South Stokes High 
School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program 
that was recently designated as a 2025-2026 Naval Honor School.
  This is one of the highest recognitions that a Marine Corps JROTC 
unit can receive. This recognition honors MCJROTC units that have 
demonstrated exceptional performance, professionalism, leadership, and 
dedication throughout the school year.
  What is more, the high school's program ranked among the top 20 
percent of Marine Corps Junior ROTC units in the Nation and was one of 
only three schools in region 8 selected to receive the prestigious 
designation.
  Madam Speaker, I congratulate South Stokes High School's JROTC 
cadets, instructors, and school administrators on this well-deserved, 
impeccable accomplishment.


                    Recognizing West Jefferson Hotel

  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mark Beck, Trent Pruitt, 
and the wonderful staff of the West Jefferson Hotel where I visited 
recently.
  Mark Beck, the owner, has done a fabulous job of restoring the hotel 
back to the way it was in its heyday and further solidifying it as the 
landmark it truly is.
  Mark has been diligent, remained sensitive to the hotel's history, 
and has been engaged with members of the community every step of the 
way. He has truly saved the character of the West Jefferson Hotel and 
has made it a wonderful place to visit.
  Trent Pruitt, the chef at the hotel, deserves immense praise, as 
well. He shared with me his aspiration to become a James Beard-
recognized chef and now he is working to bring a new perspective to 
Appalachian cuisine.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage everyone who is fortunate enough to visit 
west Jefferson to stop, view, and visit this hotel. It is truly 
magnificent, and the people who oversee its day-to-day operations are 
some of the most salt of the Earth, dedicated people one would ever 
meet.

                              {time}  1015


            Recognizing North Carolina A&T State University

  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize two monumental 
milestones for North Carolina A&T State University located in North 
Carolina's Fifth District.
  In the latter part of October into early November, the university and 
its dedicated alumni will gather to celebrate the 125th anniversary of 
the school's football program and the centennial of its homecoming that 
is referred to as the ``Greatest Homecoming on Earth.''
  The weeklong celebration will draw generations of proud Aggies back 
to the university to celebrate excellence, heritage, and the unshakable 
bond of the Blue and Gold.
  Congratulations to North Carolina A&T State University, its students, 
staff, and alumni on these two remarkable milestones. Here is to many 
more years and celebrations of Aggie Pride to come.

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