[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9391]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          SALUTING SERVICE ACADEMY STUDENTS--JAMES KENNINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 15, 2011

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
extraordinary group of young men and women who have been chosen as 
future leaders in our armed forces by the prestigious United States 
service academies. It is a privilege to send such a fine group from the 
third district of Texas to pursue a world-class education and serve our 
nation.
  As we keep them and their families in our prayers, may we never 
forget the sacrifices they are preparing to make while defending our 
freedoms all across the globe. I am so proud of each one. God bless 
them and God bless America.
  Today I salute James Kennington, a United States Naval Academy 
Appointee. James is a graduate of Plano West Senior High School where 
he participated in wrestling and earned varsity letters in 2010 and 
2011. Extracurricular activities such as weight lifting and running 
also consumed James' time, including martial arts where he is a blue 
belt. James was also an active member of the Young Men's Service League 
as the vice president, and founded his own photography club which 
received several awards. Academic success has always been a part of 
James high school career. He received the College Board AP Scholar of 
Distinction, was a National Merit Commended Scholar, in the French 
Honor Society and National Honor Society, and scored a perfect score on 
two sections of the SAT. He stated in his application essay, ``I feel 
deeply compelled to join the fight--to give all of myself for freedom, 
for brotherhood, and for country.''

                          ____________________