[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 12055-12056]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       IN TRIBUTE TO DANNY GOKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 7, 2009

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Danny Gokey, who over the past several months has captured the hearts 
and minds of the entire country--especially the people of the Fourth 
Congressional District of Wisconsin.

[[Page 12056]]

  Danny's quest to be the next ``American Idol'' is a love story. In a 
sense, it is even magical. His wife, Sophia, encouraged him to audition 
for Idol. Ironically, shortly after his audition he suffered the tragic 
loss of his beautiful wife, Sophia, at the age of 27. In memory of his 
wife, he established Sophia's Heart Foundation, whose mission is to 
make a positive impact on students' lives through a Music and Arts 
Program. Musical instruments will be donated to students that otherwise 
would be unable to afford them. The Sophia L. Gokey Scholarship Fund 
will donate $1,000 scholarships to high school students who face 
challenges in pursuing their dreams. In spite of Danny's loss, he has 
continued to perform courageously and professionally each week while 
confronting both physical and mental challenges presented by this 
competition.
  Danny has been singing since childhood. Prior to ``American Idol'', 
he served as Praise and Worship Director for Faith Builders 
International Ministries, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I have been told that 
Danny's favorite quote is ``unshakeable faith is faith that has been 
shaken''. He has overcome obstacles, personal tragedies and still 
continues to work toward his dream. His love for the church, family, 
music and life are an inspiration to all of us. His musical gifts along 
with his desire to find new hope, after experiencing such loss, is 
inspiring.
  Madam Speaker, in Milwaukee, there is an enormous amount of 
enthusiasm and support for our 28-year-old ``hometown hero''. I am 
honored to pay tribute to this very impressive young man who Milwaukee 
views as their very own ``idol''. Go, Danny go!

                          ____________________