[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12710]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MICHAEL JOSE ZELAYA

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                  in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 8, 2017

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to recognize an exceptional young person from my district. Michael Jose 
Zelaya, a member of Boy Scout Troop 220 in Albuquerque, NM. Michael 
recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout following 12 years in 
scouting. Michael's perseverance and dedication in the Boy Scouting 
program has helped shape his desire to be a leader in his community.
  For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Michael constructed several 
large barriers at the Albuquerque Bio Park. This was designed to deter 
aggressive gorilla behavior, enhancing both the experience for the 
patrons as well as the safety of the animals.
  Through scouting Michael has grown as an individual and as a member 
of his community. With Boy Scout Troop 220, Michael and many of his 
fellow boy scouts have volunteered countless hours of community 
service. Landscape projects, food banks, trail preservation, awareness 
walks, tree and garden restoration, and several improvement projects at 
his church that kindly host the troop are just a small representation 
of Michael's character and work ethic.
  Over the last 12 years in scouting, Michael has hiked hundreds of 
miles, learned lifesaving first aid and CPR, has visited the Federal 
Court and U.S. Marshall Facility, also learned auto mechanic basics, 
practiced gun safety, rifle shooting, and many more experiences; but 
most importantly, he has built friendships and grown in the love he has 
for his country.
  I am confident that Michael will continue to be a leader in our 
community and I look forward to hearing about his continued success. 
Congratulations, Michael.

                          ____________________