[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16909]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DONALD FLOYD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2013

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Donald Floyd, 
who has helped to improve the lives of millions of youth across our 
country through his outstanding efforts as Chief Executive Officer of 
National 4-H Council.
  Although Don has served as CEO of National 4-H Council for thirteen 
years, he still describes himself as ``a youth worker at heart.'' From 
his earliest days as Executive Director for Junior Achievement in 
Reading, Pennsylvania, to his current position at National 4-H Council, 
he has been driven by the knowledge that young people who are involved 
in positive youth development opportunities will create a healthier and 
more prosperous future for us all. Under Don's leadership, National 4-H 
Council adopted a new mission in the year 2000: ``To advance the 4-H 
youth development movement to build a world in which youth and adults 
learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change.'' Don's 
commitment to see National 4-H Council fulfill that mission is 
evidenced through his efforts to create the ``National Conversation on 
Youth Development in the 21st Century'' and the creation of the first 
national action agenda for youth policy. Through these activities, 4-H 
has grown into one of the world's largest youth development 
organizations, serving more than seven million youth in 50 countries.
  During Don's tenure, the 4-H movement has built upon the 
organization's history of bringing scientific development into rural 
areas to provide new and exciting programs in science, technology, 
engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to youth. Through these 
programs, young people across the country have the opportunity to study 
alternative energy, robotics and geographic technologies in an effort 
to get them engaged in STEM education and careers. Don has led 4-H in 
reaching out to important communities of youth, including those in 
urban areas, youth at risk of delinquency, children of military 
families, Native American youth and children of incarcerated parents. 
He has made a particular impact globally where 4-H is increasing its 
focus on international communities and identifying the role young 
people play in addressing the issue of food security. Don is focused on 
empowering independent country-led 4-H programs to increase their 
impact on young people; encouraging their youth to be the next 
generation of farmers, leaders and innovators; and expanding the reach 
of positive youth development worldwide.
  Throughout this growth, Don has maintained a commitment to the 
principle at the heart of 4-H: young people and adults working together 
to improve their communities. Through his ability to maintain the 
successful traditions of the past while identifying and pursuing 
opportunities for the future, Don has helped 4-H produce a generation 
of young people who are contributing citizens to their communities, 
their country and their world.
  As Don retires as CEO of National 4-H Council, I ask my colleagues to 
join me in thanking him on behalf of the millions of youth, parents and 
volunteers whose lives have been touched by his steadfast commitment to 
positive youth development and his outstanding efforts as the ultimate 
``youth worker.''

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