Recognizing the Recipients of the Best of Braddock Awards

Floor Speech

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Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2025 recipients of the Best of Braddock Awards, an annual tradition in Virginia's 11th Congressional District that celebrates the residents, volunteers, public servants, students, and organizations who strengthen the Braddock District of Fairfax County through extraordinary service and civic leadership. I include in the Record the following names of the Best of Braddock Award recipients:

Annandale Mission Center, 2025 Club or Organization Making a Difference in the Braddock District Award. The Mission Center serves as a lifeline for hundreds of families each week. Through its supplemental grocery distribution program, it supports more than 325 families weekly and distributes hundreds of thousands of pounds of food each year. In addition, it offers clothing and hygiene distributions, maintains Little Free Libraries, hosts community groups and partner organizations, and provides welcoming space for congregations and vital services.

Leo ``Chip'' Bouche, 2025 Neighborhood Enhancement or Beautification Award. Chip has strengthened community connection through craftsmanship and initiative. He designed, built, and installed new Little Free Library and Little Puzzle Library structures while restoring an aging library that had served the neighborhood for years. His work has created inviting gathering points that promote literacy, creativity, and neighborly exchange.

Margaret Thaxton, 2025 Most ``Can Do'' Public Employee Award. As Director of Development for the Fairfax County Park Foundation, Margaret has played a transformative role in advancing the mission of the Fairfax County Park Foundation. Through her leadership in fundraising, donor relations, and grant management, annual contributions have grown dramatically, reaching record levels in the past fiscal year. Her efforts have supported park improvements, community programs, and historic preservation projects that directly benefit residents across the Braddock District and Fairfax County.

Anthony Nguyen, 2025 Young Person of the Year. Anthony exemplifies thoughtful and dependable student leadership at Annandale High School. He contributes through student government, school media, and athletics, while also applying his creative talents as a photographer and entrepreneur to document and celebrate school life. His commitment to service, collaboration, and amplifying student voices reflects maturity well beyond his years.

Bob Mizer, Special Recognition for a Lifetime of Service to the Braddock District by dedicating decades to strengthening public safety and civic life in Fairfax County. As founder of one of the county's longest-running neighborhood watch programs, he built a volunteer network that has protected and connected hundreds of households. His continued service through civic leadership, faith-based volunteering, and support of the Burke Volunteer Fire Department reflects a lifetime commitment to community.

Marcy Stennes, 2025 Braddock District Citizen of the Year. Marcy has mobilized extraordinary volunteer efforts to care for neighbors in need. She led Burke Presbyterian Church's Hypothermia Shelter during one of its most active seasons, recruiting hundreds of volunteers to provide meals, safety, and dignity to guests. Her leadership also extends to affordable housing advocacy, food security initiatives, and youth support programs, demonstrating a deep and abiding commitment to justice and service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 2025 Best of Braddock Award recipients for their exceptional contributions to the Braddock District and to Fairfax County. Their dedication, leadership, and compassion embody the very best of Virginia's 11th Congressional District and serve as an example to communities across our Nation.

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