“I want to congratulate the Marine Corps JROTC program at South Stokes High School. It was named a Naval Honor School, placing it in the top 20 percent of programs in the country.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the South Stokes High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program that was recently designated as a 2025-2026 Naval Honor School. This is one of the highest recognitions that a Marine Corps JROTC unit can receive. This recognition honors MCJROTC units that have demonstrated exceptional performance, professionalism, leadership, and dedication throughout the school year. What is more, the high school’s program ranked among the top 20 percent of Marine Corps Junior ROTC units in the Nation and was one of only three schools in region 8 selected to receive the prestigious designation. Madam Speaker, I congratulate South Stokes High School’s JROTC cadets, instructors, and school administrators on this well-deserved, impeccable accomplishment.”

“I want to praise Mark Beck, Trent Pruitt, and the staff at the West Jefferson Hotel. They restored this historic hotel and serve great food. I encourage people to visit.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mark Beck, Trent Pruitt, and the wonderful staff of the West Jefferson Hotel where I visited recently. Mark Beck, the owner, has done a fabulous job of restoring the hotel back to the way it was in its heyday and further solidifying it as the landmark it truly is. Mark has been diligent, remained sensitive to the hotel’s history, and has been engaged with members of the community every step of the way. He has truly saved the character of the West Jefferson Hotel and has made it a wonderful place to visit. Trent Pruitt, the chef at the hotel, deserves immense praise, as well. He shared with me his aspiration to become a James Beard- recognized chef and now he is working to bring a new perspective to Appalachian cuisine. Madam Speaker, I encourage everyone who is fortunate enough to visit west Jefferson to stop, view, and visit this hotel. It is truly magnificent, and the people who oversee its day-to-day operations are some of the most salt of the Earth, dedicated people one would ever meet.”

“I want to congratulate North Carolina A&T State University in my district. The school is celebrating 125 years of its football team and 100 years of its homecoming.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize two monumental milestones for North Carolina A&T State University located in North Carolina’s Fifth District. In the latter part of October into early November, the university and its dedicated alumni will gather to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the school’s football program and the centennial of its homecoming that is referred to as the ``Greatest Homecoming on Earth.’’ The weeklong celebration will draw generations of proud Aggies back to the university to celebrate excellence, heritage, and the unshakable bond of the Blue and Gold. Congratulations to North Carolina A&T State University, its students, staff, and alumni on these two remarkable milestones. Here is to many more years and celebrations of Aggie Pride to come.”