[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E971-E972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING CHAD DONAHUE FOR EXCELLENCE IN SKILLED TRADES EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ZACHARY NUNN

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2026

  Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chad Donahue 
of Des Moines, Iowa, for receiving the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for 
Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence and for his outstanding 
commitment to preparing the next generation of Iowa's skilled 
workforce.
  A welding instructor at Des Moines Public Schools Central Campus, 
Chad brings two decades of field and shop experience with Sheet Metal 
Workers Local 45 into his classroom. He did precision work in food-
grade stainless and structural steel for companies like Firestone, 
Cargill, and Tone's Spices, won his local apprentice welding contest 
three

[[Page E972]]

years in a row, and has a decade of experience teaching apprentices. 
Chad understands firsthand the difference a great teacher can make. He 
overcame his own early difficulties as a student with the encouragement 
of an empathetic educator, and he shows that same patience with every 
young person who walks into his lab, including English language 
learners and students with individualized education programs.
  His results speak for themselves. In 2025, his program's all-girls 
welding team captured the overall state championship, and in 2026, a 
Central Campus student won the Missouri Welding Institute national 
competition against top trade schools from across the country. Through 
partnerships with John Deere Des Moines Works and Plumbers and Steam 
fitters Local 33, his students are gaining direct pathways into 
rewarding careers.
  On September 29, Chad was surprised with the news that he had been 
selected as one of just 25 skilled trades teachers nationwide, out of 
more than 550 applicants from 49 states, to receive the 2026 Harbor 
Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. He is one of 
two Iowa teachers honored this year. The full $75,000 prize will go 
toward strengthening the Central Campus skilled trades program and 
expanding opportunities for young Iowans.
  Mr. Speaker, educators like Chad Donahue are helping build the next 
generation of American craftsmanship. His dedication to his students, 
commitment to excellence. And passion for the skilled trades embodies 
the very best of Iowa. I congratulate Chad on this well-deserved 
national recognition and thank him for the lasting impact he continues 
to make on our students, workforce, and community.

                          ____________________