[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16470]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE 2017 BEST OF BRADDOCK AWARD RECIPIENTS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2017

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 
annual Best of Braddock Awards. These awards are the result of 
collaboration between the Braddock District Council and Braddock 
District Supervisor and are presented to individuals and organizations 
whose extraordinary efforts make our community a better place.
  I have been proud to represent this community since my days as 
Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The level of civic 
engagement celebrated by these awards is a testament to the community 
spirit of Braddock District. I have often said that civic engagement is 
a key indicator of a healthy community and tonight's event proves that 
Braddock District is one of the healthiest communities in all of 
Northern Virginia. That is due in no small part to the actions of those 
honored here this evening. I extend my congratulations to all of 
tonight's honorees and commend them for their efforts on behalf of 
others and in making our community one of the best places in the 
country in which to live, work and raise a family.
  It is my honor to include in the Record the following recipients of 
the 2017 Best of Braddock Award.
  Katie Pope--This Annandale High School student has an impressive 
record of community service to a number of civic, church and charitable 
organizations.
  The Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP)--This organization takes 
responsibility for supporting all of the numerous upkeep activities 
necessary to maintain a 493 acre park.
  Meghan Walker--The organizer and manager of all of the FLAP 
activities in support of the Park.
  Kiley Foster--This energetic first grader (one of the youngest 
Honorees ever) has started on an exemplary path of community service 
through her contributions to her church, charitable organizations, and 
other service groups such as ``Girls on the Run.''
  Irene Merrill--Nominated by the Briarwood Court Condo Association, 
Irene has continuously improved and produced the Association newsletter 
for over 10 years.
  Jeremiah Bethea--This All-Conference, All-Regional, and All-State 
pole vault competitor also finds time outside of athletics to earn 
service awards from his neighborhood, write for the student newspaper, 
participate in student Government, and qualify for Math and Social 
Studies Honor Societies.
  Suzanne Metz--This physical education teacher is the organizer of 
``Walk to School'' and ``Bike to School'' days. She has also been 
instrumental working with the PTA to establish a summer camp.
  Norene Gerstner--This avid gardener has served the Braddock District 
for 21 years as a volunteer working in and around the Kings Park 
Library. She has been a leader in conceptualizing and implementing the 
unique garden surrounding the library along with her ``Gardening 
Friends of Kings Park Library'' Group.
  Morton Berger--The first posthumous honoree, he volunteered thousands 
of hours with VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) to memorialize 
through photograph numerous police activities for the Fairfax County 
Police Department.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
2017 Best of Braddock honorees for their tremendous contributions to 
Fairfax County and Northern Virginia. I also wish to extend special 
recognition to George Klein, the chair of the Braddock District 
Council, for his work in organizing this event and for his tireless 
efforts on behalf of others in our community.

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