Recognizing Patience Kenimond As Ohio's 13th District Champion of the Week

Floor Speech

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Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Patience Kenimond as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week.

Patience represents the very best of our community. Her perseverance, dedication, and commitment to helping others are truly inspiring. She was recently recognized as this year's USA TODAY North Ohio Star Student, and I am proud to highlight her incredible achievements.

Throughout high school at Ellet Community Learning Center in Akron, Patience overcame extraordinary challenges while continuing to pursue excellence. Despite experiencing homelessness and facing significant transportation barriers, she found a way to get to school each day, sometimes riding her bike 22 miles and waking up as early as 5 a.m. Through her determination and hard work, Patience graduated second in her class.

Patience's accomplishments extend far beyond the classroom. For two and a half years, she conducted research alongside a University of Akron chemistry professor while also giving back through volunteer work, including making blankets for Akron Children's Hospital and participating in neighborhood cleanups.

This fall, Patience will continue her academic journey at the University of Toledo through a five-year program that will earn her degrees in pharmaceutical science and medicinal chemistry. Her goal is to become a pharmacologist and help develop treatments for epilepsy.

Patience's story inspired local readers to step forward and provide support toward her college expenses. She hopes to one day pay that generosity forward by creating a scholarship for students facing the same transportation challenges she overcame.

Patience Kenimond's resilience and commitment to helping others represent the very best of our district and serve as a reminder that Ohio's 13th Congressional District truly is the ``Birthplace of Champions.''

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