HONORING ABBY LaPOLE

On 2026-08-10, Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH-13) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING ABBY LaPOLE" in the House.

HONORING ABBY LaPOLE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 131 (Monday, August 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 131 (Monday, August 10, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E783] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ABBY LaPOLE ______ HON. EMILIA STRONG SYKES of ohio in the house of representatives Monday, August 10, 2026 Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Abby LaPole of Massillon as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week for July 27th after being awarded Stark County Girls Athlete of the Year. Abby earned this honor following a historic career at Jackson High School. At this year's Ohio High School Athletic Association's Track and Field Championships, Abby captured her third consecutive state title in girls' seated shot put with a final-attempt throw of 21 feet, 7.5 inches. She leaves high school as a three-time state champion and the all-time Stark County record holder in the event, with her top throw of 23 feet, 5.75 inches this season cementing her place among the best athletes in Stark County history. A dedicated student-athlete, Abby has spent years putting in the work to excel in competition while representing Jackson, Massillon, Stark County, and Ohio's 13th Congressional District with pride. Through her achievements, Abby has shown the strength of adaptive athletics and the opportunities available to athletes who pursue their goals at the highest levels of competition. She embodies why our district is proudly known as the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I congratulate Abby on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate all she has accomplished. ____________________