HONORING CONSTITUENTS OF GEORGIA

HONORING CONSTITUENTS OF GEORGIA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 49 (Wednesday, March 18, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 18, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2591-H2594] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CONSTITUENTS OF GEORGIA (Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, Mr. Carter of Georgia was recognized for 30 minutes.) Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Proctor, who, sadly, passed away on February 12 at the age of 58. Michael, a Georgia native, attended Worth County High School, where he first showcased his natural athletic ability. He started for the Murray State Racers at Murray State University as quarterback, where he was honored with the nickname ``The General.'' During this time, he earned All-Ohio Valley Conference honors and OVC Offensive Player of the Year, and he set the Murray State record in career yards. He was inducted into the Murray State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000, with his No. 11 being retired. After college, Proctor played briefly for the New England Patriots, the Cleveland Browns, the World League of American Football, and the Canadian Football League. He was an accomplished football player with incredible talent and determination. Proctor's journey from small-town Georgia to the football spotlight is truly inspirational. May he rest in peace, and his legacy live on. Honoring Scott Morrison Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Pastor Scott Morrison. He serves as discipleship pastor at the First Baptist Church of Vidalia, Georgia. Pastor Morrison has a legacy of leadership with over 25 years of experience. In 2001, he became the minister of students, making discipleship a priority for the youth of the church. Several of his students entered the ministry and later became missionaries themselves. Pastor Scott embodies the Scripture through his work at First Baptist Church, helping others every day. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he started a nonprofit effort at Vidalia High School called Whisper to address rising mental health concerns. His efforts have increased student well-being across the region, as it has expanded to other schools. His dedication to bettering the lives of young people in his community sets an example for us all. Pastor Scott is married to Mindy, and they have two sons and a daughter. I thank Pastor Scott Morrison for his community leadership and service to others over the past 25 years. He is and will be a critical part of the Vidalia community for years to come. Honoring Mayor John William Grant, Jr. Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of former Milledgeville Mayor John William Grant, Jr., who passed away on February 14 at the age of 99. Mayor Grant was born in 1926, serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II and graduating from college soon after. Back in Milledgeville, he successfully ran his family jewelry business while simultaneously serving 20 years as a Milledgeville city councilman and 4 years as mayor. He was known for his integrity, thoughtful leadership, and deep commitment to the people of Milledgeville during his time in office. He led with a hands-on approach, focusing on improving infrastructure, encouraging community growth, and fostering unity among residents. Mayor Grant is survived by his children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and countless friends. He will be remembered as a kindhearted leader who truly cared about the people of Milledgeville. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire community. Remembering Tony Petrea Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Tony Petrea, a proud Savannah native who passed away at his home in Statesboro surrounded by his loving family and friends. Tony was a man of discipline, integrity, and strength who built a respected name for himself in his community through hard work and dedication. He cherished his years coaching baseball, sharing his time and wisdom with young athletes. He was also an amateur radio enthusiast and loved to travel, exploring destinations from Mexico to the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas. In addition to his many passions, Tony established the J.L. Petrea Construction Scholarship at Ogeechee Technical College, allowing two students each year to receive financial support to pursue their education. Tony's generosity and kind spirit were a hallmark of his life. He connected easily with others, gave selflessly, and never sought recognition for his good deeds. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the opportunities he created for others. Recognizing Georgia Southern's Ethics Bowl Team Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding achievement by the Georgia Southern University Ethics Bowl team from Statesboro, Georgia. This talented group of Eagles has qualified for the 2026 APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl National Competition in St. Louis, Missouri. [[Page H2592]] After a strong performance at the regional competition in Dahlonega, they earned their spot among just 36 top undergraduate teams nationwide. In the Ethics Bowl, students engage in thoughtful, collaborative discussions on real-world moral, political, and social issues. They prepare cases for months, apply ethical theories, present reasoned positions, and offer civil commentary on opponents' views. It is not about winning arguments but about analyzing complex dilemmas with clarity and respect. Team president Cade Huff credits Ethics Bowl with sharpening his communication skills and preparing him for a potential career in law and government. I congratulate the Georgia Southern Ethics Bowl team for exemplifying intellectual rigor and ethical leadership. May they bring home strong results and inspire others to thoughtful engagement. Remembering Miriam Kantsiper Center Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life of Miriam Kantsiper Center, who passed away on February 17. Mrs. Center was a prominent member of the Savannah community for many decades. In addition to having a lifelong interest in politics and civic issues, she established a successful real estate business and an all-female Little League team in Savannah. Miriam was also the first female chairperson of Savannah's Metropolitan Planning Commission. She played an instrumental role in getting her husband, Leo, elected to the Savannah City Council on multiple occasions. At the age of 74, Mrs. Center became an author and at 80, a playwright. In 2020, she received the Savannah Woman of Vision Award from the Savannah College of Art and Design for her invaluable impact on the Savannah community. I knew Miriam well. She was a very special lady. My thoughts and prayers go out to her two sons and five grandchildren. Honoring Jan Jones' Service Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Georgia State Representative Jan Jones, whose term ending this year will mark the end of an impressive and impactful tenure in the Georgia legislature. Representative Jones was first elected to the Georgia House in 2002 and became speaker pro tempore in 2010. She was reelected to that position every term since, making her the longest serving speaker pro tempore in the country and the most powerful woman in the Georgia State House. Jan led Senate Bill 233, the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, through the statehouse. This established a voucher program for students who switched from a low-performing public school to a private or home school program. Despite multiple times of the bill being in danger of failing, Representative Jones' strong connection throughout the legislature ensured its passage. Current House Speaker Jon Burns has called her a trailblazer who will leave a significant mark in State history. I thank my friend, Representative Jones, for her many years of dedicated service to the State of Georgia and congratulate her on a job well done. It was, indeed, an honor to serve with her. {time} 1840 Remembering Joe Randall Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Joe Randall, a prominent member of the Savannah community, who passed away on February 14. Mr. Randall played an instrumental part in shaping southern cuisine through his cookbook ``A Taste of Heritage: The New African-American Cuisine.'' The book's popularity led to it being inducted into the James Beard Foundation Cookbook Hall of Fame. Chef Randall was affectionately known as the ``Dean of Southern Cuisine'' and featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture for his contributions to southern cuisine. In 1993, Randall founded the African American Chefs Hall of Fame as part of the Taste of Heritage Foundation. In addition, he founded the Chef Joe Randall's Cooking School in Savannah where he trained aspiring chefs and local students. Mr. Speaker, Joe is survived by his wife, Barbara, along with his children, his sisters, and his grandson. Remembering Randall Eugene Davis, Sr. Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Randall Eugene Davis, Sr., who passed away on February 16. Randy was a lifelong Savannahian and a proud resident of Wilmington Island. In 1994, Randy and Sherry, his wife of 35 years, opened Davis Produce in Savannah and grew it to the Wilmington Island staple that it is today. For 31 years, Randy dedicated himself to his community, paying their generosity forward. Mr. Davis understood that small businesses such as his survive through hard work, determination, and service to the community. These are values that he exemplified each day. Known as the ``home of the killer tomato,'' Davis Produce became a place of community gathering and friendship for all. Randy was an exemplary member of the community who found happiness by bringing joy to others, both within and outside of his business. Mr. Speaker, Randy is survived by hi

Referenced legislation: S233