[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18419]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING JUAN ANTONIO ``CHI CHI'' RODRIGUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 30, 2010

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Juan Antonio 
``Chi Chi'' Rodriguez for the remarkable work he has done to improve 
the lives of so many at-risk youth. The same dedication and 
determination he displayed on the golf course is now readily apparent 
in his community service through youth programs.
  While visiting a juvenile detention center in Florida, Mr. Rodriguez 
realized a better way to help at risk children succeed. Through 
discipline and responsibility on the golf course, instructors work with 
youth to build self-esteem, character, work ethic, social adjustment, 
and academic performance.
  To realize his goals of helping to advance children both 
intellectually and morally, Mr. Rodriguez has been instrumental in 
raising over $4 million for his youth foundation, which supports his 
Academy. I am honored that that Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy is in my 
Congressional District.
  I addition to the 600 children that benefit annually from the 
inspiration of his programs on the golf course, Mr. Rodriguez has been 
able to provide more than 430 scholarships over the past three years to 
help Latino youth attend institutions of higher education.
  Mr. Rodriguez's dedication to improving the lives of children is 
truly inspirational. He has expanded his personal successes into youth 
programs based in love and respect and has laid a foundation in which 
pupils build confidence, learn discipline, and gain positive 
educational experiences.
  Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to speak of the contributions 
stemming from Mr. Rodriguez's vision not just in my community, but 
throughout the nation, and I strongly encourage passage of H. Res. 
1430.

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