Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-12

HONORING ELIZA ALDRIDGE

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On 2026-05-12, Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING ELIZA ALDRIDGE" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING ELIZA ALDRIDGE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E427] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ELIZA ALDRIDGE ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Eliza Aldridge, a senior at Leeland Public School, for being named the 2026 Michigan Poetry Out Loud State Champion. This outstanding achievement reflects not only Eliza's dedication and talent, but also the strength of educational opportunities available to students across Northern Michigan. Poetry Out Loud is a nationally recognized program that encourages students from across the country to engage with poetry through memorization and performance. The competition begins at the local level in classrooms and communities, with winners advancing to state and ultimately national competition. Now in its 21st year, over 3,000 students and 77 teachers participated across Michigan. Eliza distinguished herself from more than 16 finalists from across the state during the competition at Central Michigan University. She displayed exceptional poise, depth of knowledge, and appreciation for the richness of literature through her impressive recitations of ``Chicago'' by Carl Sandburg, ``Introduction'' by Alice Duer Miller, and ``A Lady'' by Amy Lowell. Her success is also a testament to the important role educators and mentors play in shaping the next generation. I further recognize the efforts of Michigan Humanities, the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, and all partners who make programs like Poetry Out Loud possible. Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing Eliza Aldridge for being named the 2026 Michigan Poetry Out Loud State Champion. I am confident she will continue to exemplify hard work, determination, and excellence which define our Northern Michigan communities, and I wish her the very best in her future endeavors. ____________________

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HONORING ELIZA ALDRIDGE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E427] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ELIZA ALDRIDGE ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Eliza Aldridge, a senior at Leeland Public School, for being named the 2026 Michigan Poetry Out Loud State Champion. This outstanding achievement reflects not only Eliza's dedication and talent, but also the strength of educational opportunities available to students across Northern Michigan. Poetry Out Loud is a nationally recognized program that encourages students from across the country to engage with poetry through memorization and performance. The competition begins at the local level in classrooms and communities, with winners advancing to state and ultimately national competition. Now in its 21st year, over 3,000 students and 77 teachers participated across Michigan. Eliza distinguished herself from more than 16 finalists from across the state during the competition at Central Michigan University. She displayed exceptional poise, depth of knowledge, and appreciation for the richness of literature through her impressive recitations of ``Chicago'' by Carl Sandburg, ``Introduction'' by Alice Duer Miller, and ``A Lady'' by Amy Lowell. Her success is also a testament to the important role educators and mentors play in shaping the next generation. I further recognize the efforts of Michigan Humanities, the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, and all partners who make programs like Poetry Out Loud possible. Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing Eliza Aldridge for being named the 2026 Michigan Poetry Out Loud State Champion. I am confident she will continue to exemplify hard work, determination, and excellence which define our Northern Michigan communities, and I wish her the very best in her future endeavors. ____________________