HONORING CAROLYN GRIFFIN

On 2026-02-10, Representative Ben Cline (R-VA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING CAROLYN GRIFFIN" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered taxes.

HONORING CAROLYN GRIFFIN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2099-H2100] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CAROLYN GRIFFIN (Mr. Cline of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, today we honor a woman whose commitment to service has shaped Winchester for more than six decades. Carolyn Griffin began her community service 60 years ago with the Winchester Medical Center Auxiliary and has since become one of its most respected and enduring volunteers. From being a long-time participant in the hospital's Follies to comforting children and reading to visually- impaired patients, her compassion has touched countless lives. As chairwoman of the Animal Assistive Therapy program, Carolyn leads more than two dozen dog handler teams who bring healing and joy to patients throughout the hospital. While one extraordinary year produced nearly 12,000 volunteer hours, the program typically provides two to three thousand hours of therapeutic support each year. Her service reaches far beyond the hospital. Carolyn devoted 22 years to Winchester City Council, guiding the city with wisdom and heart. Her 60 years with the Apple Blossom Festival included serving 2 years as festival president, and she was honored with the Salvation Army's Certificate of Life Membership for five decades of service. A small business owner, knitter, and active community member, Carolyn Griffin has made Winchester stronger, kinder, and better for all. Honoring Mark Ingerson Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mark Ingerson on his selection to the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame. This well-deserved honor reflects an exceptional career and a lasting impact on students at Salem High School and across the Commonwealth of Virginia. During his 23 years as head coach of Salem High School's speech-- formerly forensics--and debate teams, Mr. Ingerson built one of the most successful programs in VHSL history. His teams captured an astonishing 20 VHSL State championships, including a record 19 consecutive State titles in speech, an extraordinary achievement marked by sustained excellence and leadership. He coached 103 speech State champions, 59 runners-up, and 5 individual debate State champions. Beyond competition, he expanded opportunities statewide through the founding of the Southwest Virginia Forensics League, service on VHSL advisory committees, and the hosting of numerous tournaments. His two-time recognition as the National Federation of State High School Associations' Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator of the Year underscores his national impact. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mark Ingerson on his induction into the VHSL Hall of Fame, a career defined by excellence and a lasting commitment to empowering student voices. Congratulating James Wood High School Girls' Volleyball Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the James Wood High School Girls' Volleyball Team on their fourth consecutive VHSL State title and on finishing an incredible 30-2 season. This championship is especially meaningful for remarkable seniors--Kennedy Spaid and Brenna Corbin--who will graduate having won four State titles in four varsity seasons and had standout performances. Claire Keefer will graduate with three championships and anchored the team with key blocks and aces. We also honor Head Coach Adrienne Patrick who closes her sixth and final season with yet another championship. From the relentless play of teammates Kylee Plumb, Kennedi Bower, Kylie Putt, Reese Justice, Bella Middleton, Kyla Wilhelm, Kyleigh Bly, and Macie Hewitt to the late surges and unstoppable teamwork, this group showed what it means to refuse to quit. Today we honor not just a title but a legacy. James Wood became the first team in Frederick County history to win four straight State championships, a testament to tradition, excellence, and family these girls have built together. Congratulations to the Colonels. They have made history and have done it with heart. Congratulating the Glenvar High School Boys' Cross Country Team Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Glenvar High School [[Page H2100]] Boys' Cross Country Team on winning their first VHSL Class 2 State championship in program history on November 8, 2025, at Green Hill Park in Salem, Virginia, not far from their home campus. Led by seniors Tyler Davis and Aldin Smith, the Highlanders delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with 80 points and edging out Clarke County and Stonewall Jackson High Schools. Tyler Davis earned All-State honors, while Aldin Smith also captured a Region 2C championship earlier this season. The championship team includes seniors Tyler Davis and Aldin Smith; juniors Evan Harris, Asher Faught, Casey Weeks, Colin Graffeo, and Daniel Tozier; sophomores Jackson Wimmer and Cash Malcolm; and freshman Zach Davis. This historic season was guided by first-year Head Coach James Osborne and Coach Rachel Millirons. I congratulate these student- athletes, their coaches, and the entire Glenvar community on an outstanding achievement. ____________________