Recognizing the Retirement of Jones Hook

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Mr. Jones Hooks, the longest serving executive director of the Jekyll Island Authority.

Mr. Hooks' 15 years of service to the people of Jekyll Island will never be forgotten. When he became the executive director in 2008, the island was in economic trouble, with many of its facilities operating at a deficit.

To fix this problem, and many others plaguing the island, the authorities on Jekyll proposed multiple goals, such as revitalizing Jekyll's facilities, establishing a credible conservation effort, and partnering with the private sector on certain efforts the Jekyll Island Authority could not handle alone.

Mr. Hooks achieved every goal put forth by island leadership. Thanks to his efforts and leadership, Jekyll Island is a thriving community, a hallmark of conservation efforts, a tourism location enjoyed by many, and much more.

I thank Mr. Hooks, once again, for his service, and I hope he has a restful retirement. Recognizing 25th Anniversary of Belfast/Good Friday Agreement

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement that brought an end to 30 years of conflict in Northern Ireland.

The conflict, known as The Troubles, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. The conflict saw families, friends, and neighbors turn on each other. It saw political discourse become replaced by violence and bloodshed.

Despite the viciousness and length of the conflict, all parties involved, with U.S. diplomatic support, managed to come to an agreement to end it.

Now, 25 years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, the Emerald Isle remains more peaceful and more prosperous than before the historic agreement. I applaud the commitment to peace by leaders on both sides of the Irish Sea.

I also applaud the recent Windsor Framework, which managed to preserve the principles of the Good Friday Agreement while also holding true to the requirements of Brexit.

As Americans, we should look to the Good Friday Agreement as hope that despite our differences, we can come together to solve problems, and we can work together as one team to make our country great. Celebrating the Life of Charlene Saunders

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Charlene Saunders, a loving mother, wife, and educator in the Savannah community.

Charlene and her husband, Bill, moved to Savannah in 1958 to establish the athletic program at the Savannah Country Day School.

During her 31 years at Country Day, Charlene served as the head coach of girls' basketball, girls' track, and the cheerleading team, and she oversaw the PE department.

While Charlene's teams amassed winning records, she is remembered for her strong bond with her athletes and as a model of integrity, grace, spirit, and grit. In 1982, Saunders Gym was named in her honor.

Charlene and Bill Saunders were fixtures at all student events and were held in such high regard by the student body that they received two yearbook dedications and were also named the honorable homecoming king and queen.

Her legacy continues to impact generations of students. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Recognizing Leroy Chapman, Jr.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Leroy Chapman, Jr., for being named the new editor-in-chief at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

A veteran of the Navy, he has been a journalist for 28 years, originally coming from South Carolina. Leroy currently serves as the managing editor and has been with the AJC since 2011.

Over the course of his 27-year career, he has also worked as a columnist and editorial writer, a business reporter, and a college sports reporter.

During his career, he has helped cover a number of high-profile stories, including the 2020 election results and the court cases of teachers and administrators charged in the Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal.

Leroy will be the AJC's first Black editor-in-chief in the newspaper's 155-year history.

I congratulate Leroy on this wonderful honor. I look forward to his continued success at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

By the way, this comes from another Leroy.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source