[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 7293-7294]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE 2011 RECIPIENTS OF THE McGOWAN COURAGE AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM JORDAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2011

  Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I always appreciate the opportunity to share 
positive stories about young people in my congressional district who 
overcome adversity. Today, I am pleased to share the stories of six 
such individuals.
  Ashley Martin, Clear Fork High School. Ashley refuses to allow 
achondroplasia and diabetes to get in the way of working toward her 
goals to her fullest potential. She is very active in school and 
community activities--including 4-H, through which she has shown 
animals at the county fair and competed for Fair Queen. A National 
Honor Society member, she excels academically even while holding a 
part-time job. Ashley plans to attend Ohio Northern University and 
pursue her dream of becoming a pharmacist.
  Benjamin Studer, Crestview High School. Ben has endured many 
surgeries and countless physical therapy sessions since his premature 
birth. He has triumphed over every challenge and setback through the 
years and lives independently in a group home. Ben is very active 
athletically, enjoying horseback riding, swimming, and riding his four-
wheeler. In addition, he has worked for Richland Newhope Industries in 
the summer. His strength, determination, and compassion toward others 
are an inspiration to all who know him.
  Keaton Fuller, Lexington High School. Keaton has earned an A/B 
average throughout his high school career despite needing some extra 
help in English and math courses. His enthusiasm, work ethic, and 
passion for learning have earned the respect of his teachers and peers. 
Even while maintaining this outstanding academic record and 
participating in the boys' track team, he works part-time at a car wash 
and runs his own lawn-mowing business. Keaton plans to attend North 
Central State College and one day become a physical therapy assistant.
  Ian Pasheilich, Madison Comprehensive High School. Ian has worked 
through many autism-related difficulties throughout his life. He 
maintains a positive attitude as he deals with this disease and with 
the side effects of the medications he must take daily. He has earned 
the admiration of his teachers and fellow students for his perseverance 
and his high grade point average. Outside the classroom, Ian enjoys 
attending school sporting events, has starred in a number of school 
plays, and likes to engage in debates on politics, history, and 
literature.
  Lauren Short, Mansfield Senior High. School. Lauren has shown immense 
strength and courage in dealing with the tragic deaths of her mother, 
stepfather, brother, and sister in a fire last year. Earlier this year, 
she lost her grandmother and great-grandfather as well. Despite these 
heartbreaking events, she has remained focused on her short- and long-
term goals. Lauren, who has already taken her state board exams in 
cosmetology, plans to continue her education and become a certified 
massage therapist.

[[Page 7294]]

  Luke Armstrong, Ontario High School. Despite the many challenges 
presented by cerebral palsy with spastic quadriplegia, Luke's attitude 
reflects his tremendous inner strength. He refuses to accept failure as 
an option, dedicating himself to his studies and his love of sports. 
His family and friends appreciate his outstanding sense of humor, 
independent spirit, and optimism--even in the face of the extensive 
physical therapy sessions he has undergone throughout his life. Luke 
plans to attend Wright State University upon graduation.
  Mr. Speaker, the Rotary Club of Mansfield, Ohio, will present these 
six students with the McGowan Courage Award on May 17. I am proud to 
join the Rotary in acknowledging their significant achievements and 
wishing them continued success in everything they do.

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