Recognizing Pella Marching Dutch
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Pella Marching Dutch for their outstanding 2025 season and their well-earned invitation to perform at the celebration of our Nation's 250th birthday in Washington, D.C., next year.
This remarkable ensemble consists of 226 students who represented their community with excellent success, competing across multiple prestigious competitions. The Marching Dutch delivered their strongest performance at the Band of America Regional Competition, where they claimed first place in Class 2A and earned the Outstanding General Effect award.
They advanced to the open class finals and placed tenth overall. They celebrated competitive success in Iowa's largest class size for the first time in the program's history.
Their invitation to perform on the 250th birthday of our great Nation is a tremendous honor. I am proud of all of the members of the Pella Marching Dutch and look forward to watching them represent Iowa at this historic celebration. Recognizing Marley Morris
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary young Iowan, 8-year-old Marley Morris, whose kindness and compassion are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children battling cancer.
Marley has turned her passion for crafting handmade bracelets into a mission of hope and joy, donating 100 of her creations to young patients at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.
Marley began making bracelets at just 3 years old, and she continues today to use that talent to brighten the lives of others. Her generous spirit and heartfelt efforts reflect the very best of Iowa.
Even at such a young age, Marley reminds all of us that one person, no matter how small, can have a powerful impact on their community.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Marley Morris for her inspiring generosity, for leading by example, and showing what it means to serve others. Recognizing Corey Leonhard
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an outstanding Iowan, Corey Leonhard of Muscatine, on his induction into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame.
For more than four decades, Corey has been a proud representative of Iowa in athletic competitions at every level, from local meets to the world stage.
Corey's accomplishments are remarkable. At the 2003 Special Olympics World Games in Dublin, Ireland, he earned a Bronze Medal in the 100- meter dash and a Silver Medal in softball.
Mr. Speaker, 4 years later in Shanghai, China, he brought home a Gold Medal in the long jump, a Bronze Medal in the 400-meter dash, and placed fourth in the four-by-four relay.
Mr. Speaker, Corey's impact extends beyond athletics. In 2015, he served as cocaptain for the United Relay Across America, helping carry the torch from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles.
Today, he remains active in Special Olympics Muscatine, embodying the values of perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship.
I congratulate Corey, who is an inspiration to all Iowans, and his legacy of excellence and determination is well deserving of this honor. Honoring Julie Humes
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Julie Humes of Donnellson, Iowa, a flight nurse with Air Evac Lifeteam and a recipient of the American Ambulance Association's prestigious Star of Life award.
For over 30 years, this award has recognized the best of our EMS professionals, those who go above and beyond the call of duty. Julie was nominated by her peers for her heroism during a severe car accident, volunteering in dangerous icy conditions to help save the lives of multiple trauma victims. Thanks to her quick thinking and courageous actions, every victim survived.
Julie's service is a shining example of the bravery and selflessness of our first responders, and they demonstrate this every day. It was an honor to meet Julie and hear about her incredible dedication firsthand.
I congratulate Julie and thank her for her steadfast commitment to saving lives and protecting Iowans. Recognizing Georgia Clark
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Georgia Clark, a student from West Liberty, Iowa, who represented our State with pride and excellence at the 2025 National Civics Bee.
Competing against top middle schoolers from across the country, Georgia placed in the top ten, a tremendous achievement.
Held in Washington, D.C., on Veterans Day, the National Civics Bee celebrates civic knowledge and encourages young Americans to engage with their communities and understand their government.
Georgia was 1 of only 39 State champions invited to participate, representing the West Liberty community school district.
Georgia's dedication, leadership, and love of learning reflect the best of Iowa's youth. Her passion for civic engagement and understanding of our Nation's founding principles are truly inspiring.
I thank Georgia for her commitment to excellence and for stepping up as a young leader with ideas that will strengthen our community and our country. Her achievement makes all of Iowa proud. Pearl Harbor Day
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I remark that Sunday, December 7, is the 84th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, the day that will live in infamy.
Like 9/11, we must never forget. Always prepared, always ready.
I ask for a moment of silence for those whose lives were lost on that fateful day.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source