[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 10] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 14234] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING MR. BRIAN TOUPS FOR EARNING THE GOLD CONGRESSIONAL AWARD ______ HON. JEFF MILLER of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 27, 2010 Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Brian Toups for earning the Gold Congressional Award. Mr. Toups has proven himself to be an achiever and an exceptionally capable young man. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize him for being awarded with such a distinct and coveted honor. The Gold Congressional Award is the only congressionally recognized award given to youth. The recipient must meet a rigorous set of requirements. These requirements include a minimum of four hundred community service hours, two hundred hours of personal development and physical fitness activities, and the planning, preparation, and execution of a four night expedition. Not only has Mr. Toups successfully met each requirement, he has surpassed every expectation. To fulfill the four hundred hours of community service, Mr. Brian Toups spent time working at a program for underprivileged children. While working with these children, Mr. Toups was a shining example of the virtue of voluntarism as he worked to provide a positive influence and make a lasting impact in their lives. Additionally, Mr. Toups pushed his physical limits by enrolling in a competitive gymnastics program. Indeed, this was no easy task. However, focusing his ambition and remaining steadfast in his commitment, he prevailed. Mr. Brian Toups, spent many hours penning literary works ranging from short stories to novels. Honing his skills as a writer, he has submitted at least 500 pages of stories to a local publisher. In his final effort to earn the Gold Congressional Award, Mr. Toups prepared a journey to Northern Alaska. During this trip, he was faced with numerous challenges as he traversed the rugged road known as the James W. Dalton Highway. Madam Speaker, throughout the course of his journey, Mr. Brian Toups had an incredible opportunity to develop character and integrity by taking an active role in his community. It is a real privilege to recognize Mr. Toups, and on behalf of the entire United States Congress I congratulate him on his amazing accomplishment. ____________________