[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14341]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF JAKE DENHART

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 2011

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of one of my younger constituents--Jake Denhart, who at 
only 16 years old has exuded a true entrepreneurial spirit. For years, 
Jake has been working around his neighborhood, shoveling snow and 
mowing lawns for small fees. He even decided to give his business a 
name, calling it ``Innovative Solutions.'' From what I understand, Jake 
has managed to put away almost $20K in savings earned from the work he 
has done over the years. Through his hard work, he has also earned a 
high level of trust with his neighbors.
  Jake's hard work was also reflected on the academic front when one of 
his teachers at Noblesville High School, Joe Toms, nominated him to 
participate in the Purdue Research Park Entrepreneurship Academy, 
established by Purdue University. Jake was among the 50 students from 
the state of Indiana who was chosen to participate, based on an essay, 
in the week-long academy. The purpose is to provide innovative math, 
science, and technology-based business and life skills by having the 
students work in teams on a business case. Throughout the week, they 
have the opportunity to interact with industry leaders and successful 
entrepreneurs. The competing teams spend the week developing a business 
plan to make an ``investor pitch'' to a panel of judges. These students 
truly exude creativity, initiative, overall academic strength, and an 
interest in concepts and concerns that are relevant to 
entrepreneurship, which will carry them far as they embark on their 
future careers.
  I am proud to represent such a young constituent who not only 
understands the value of money, but also knows how to save it. Jake's 
success is a measure of his strong work ethic, for which I commend him. 
I believe it is important to remember stories like these in such trying 
economic times, which keep our spirits alive--not only in Indiana, but 
throughout the Nation.

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