Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-23

HONORING BREVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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On 2026-06-23, Representative Mike Haridopolos (R-FL-8) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BREVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS" in the House.

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HONORING BREVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4135-H4136] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BREVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students, teachers, and the proud parents of Brevard County Public Schools for earning an A grade from the Florida Department of Education. As a former history teacher myself, I know that success is not measured by a single test or a single classroom. It is the result of years of hard work by students and dedicated teachers who value learning. This A rating reflects academic performance, student achievement, graduation rates, and college and career readiness for our future. On Florida's Space Coast, our schools are preparing for the next generation [[Page H4136]] of engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, servicemembers, and community leaders. I commend the school board: Megan Wright, Gene Trent, John Thomas, Katye Campbell, and their chairman, Matt Susin, for their incredible work along with our superintendent, Dr. Mark Rendell. Their leadership and their passion make this A grade possible. Recognizing Brevard County Medal of Merit Recipients Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of young leaders in our Space Coast. Recently, I had the privilege of honoring the 2026 Brevard County Medal of Merit recipients, a tradition established by my predecessor, the late Congressman Bill Posey. Each year, local high schools select one graduating senior who exemplifies academic achievement, character, leadership, and service to others. These students have distinguished themselves not just in the classroom but by setting an example to others in their school. As a former history teacher, I have always believed that education not only opens doors but it is the ultimate civil right and opportunity. These students recognized in this Medal of Merit program represent the best of our public schools, and they are why I am very excited about the future of America. I congratulate this year's recipients and wish them the very best in their future academic endeavors. I know they will serve us well. Recognizing Dennis Woytowitz Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very important man in our community, Dennis Woytowitz of Cocoa, Florida, who is making a real difference on Florida's Space Coast and the health of the Indian River Lagoon. As the founder of Space Coast Water Sweep, Dennis has dedicated himself to locating and removing derelict crab traps and marine debris that threaten wildlife and the lagoon. Working under a permit authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Dennis and his volunteers help remove these hazards from our waterways. Dennis also created an online tool that allows other citizens to submit photos and solve problems. I thank Dennis and his volunteers of Space Coast Water Sweep for their commitment to preserving the Indian River Lagoon. Highlighting Innovative Solutions for Indian River Lagoon Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an innovative effort on Florida's Space Coast to improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon. The city of Titusville has partnered with local organizations and businesses to pilot a new water treatment technology that uses nanobubbles to improve water quality and also reduce harmful nutrients in our lagoon. The Indian River Lagoon is one of North America's most diverse estuaries. It supports marine wildlife, recreational fishing, tourism, and thousands of local jobs. This project brings together local government, private industry, and community stakeholders to test new solutions that could help restore and preserve this national treasure. From launching astronauts into space to developing new technologies here at home, innovation is part of what we are on the Space Coast. ____________________

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HONORING BREVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4135-H4136] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BREVARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Mr. Haridopolos of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the students, teachers, and the proud parents of Brevard County Public Schools for earning an A grade from the Florida Department of Education. As a former history teacher myself, I know that success is not measured by a single test or a single classroom. It is the result of years of hard work by students and dedicated teachers who value learning. This A rating reflects academic performance, student achievement, graduation rates, and college and career readiness for our future. On Florida's Space Coast, our schools are preparing for the next generation [[Page H4136]] of engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, servicemembers, and community leaders. I commend the school board: Megan Wright, Gene Trent, John Thomas, Katye Campbell, and their chairman, Matt Susin, for their incredible work along with our superintendent, Dr. Mark Rendell. Their leadership and their passion make this A grade possible. Recognizing Brevard County Medal of Merit Recipients Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of young leaders in our Space Coast. Recently, I had the privilege of honoring the 2026 Brevard County Medal of Merit recipients, a tradition established by my predecessor, the late Congressman Bill Posey. Each year, local high schools select one graduating senior who exemplifies academic achievement, character, leadership, and service to others. These students have distinguished themselves not just in the classroom but by setting an example to others in their school. As a former history teacher, I have always believed that education not only opens doors but it is the ultimate civil right and opportunity. These students recognized in this Medal of Merit program represent the best of our public schools, and they are why I am very excited about the future of America. I congratulate this year's recipients and wish them the very best in their future academic endeavors. I know they will serve us well. Recognizing Dennis Woytowitz Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very important man in our community, Dennis Woytowitz of Cocoa, Florida, who is making a real difference on Florida's Space Coast and the health of the Indian River Lagoon. As the founder of Space Coast Water Sweep, Dennis has dedicated himself to locating and removing derelict crab traps and marine debris that threaten wildlife and the lagoon. Working under a permit authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Dennis and his volunteers help remove these hazards from our waterways. Dennis also created an online tool that allows other citizens to submit photos and solve problems. I thank Dennis and his volunteers of Space Coast Water Sweep for their commitment to preserving the Indian River Lagoon. Highlighting Innovative Solutions for Indian River Lagoon Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an innovative effort on Florida's Space Coast to improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon. The city of Titusville has partnered with local organizations and businesses to pilot a new water treatment technology that uses nanobubbles to improve water quality and also reduce harmful nutrients in our lagoon. The Indian River Lagoon is one of North America's most diverse estuaries. It supports marine wildlife, recreational fishing, tourism, and thousands of local jobs. This project brings together local government, private industry, and community stakeholders to test new solutions that could help restore and preserve this national treasure. From launching astronauts into space to developing new technologies here at home, innovation is part of what we are on the Space Coast. ____________________