[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 8255] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING THE HONOREES OF THE 63RD ANNUAL ANNANDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS BANQUET ______ HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY of virginia in the house of representatives Thursday, May 13, 2010 Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorees of the 63rd Annual Annandale Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. The Annandale Chamber of Commerce is a thriving volunteer organization with more than 200 active members. The members represent businesses, industries and professionals who work together to maintain a favorable business climate while improving the quality of life for all residents. Each year, the Annandale Chamber of Commerce honors a few select individuals who have distinguished themselves as exemplars of the community. It is my honor to recognize these fine recipients and the contributions that they have made to the community: Student Achievement Award for Falls Church High School: Dennis Nolasco. Dennis is a marketing student who was instrumental in the development and promotion of the School's Jaguar Joe Coffee Project. Dennis has an outstanding work ethic and serves as an effective role model to his peers. After graduation from Falls Church High School, Dennis plans to major in finance or business administration at George Mason University. Student Achievement Award for Annandale High School: Emma Dorothy Whitmyre. Emma is an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate and has served as president of both the National Honor Society and the Jewish Culture Club. Emma has a strong commitment to social action. She volunteers at a homeless shelter, tutors, and runs a winter coat drive for those who are less fortunate. This fall, Emma will be attending New York University where she plans on majoring in anthropology or psychology. Student Achievement Award for Northern Virginia Community College: Jacquelyn Shanahan. Jackie, as she is known by her friends and family, has nobly served our nation in the United States Marine Corps. She recently received the Liberal Arts Division academic award and has completed the Honors Curriculum at NOVA with a GPA of 4.0. Jackie has served as president of the Honors Community Annandale Honors Club and as a chair for the Relay for Life. Jackie has been accepted into the Marymount University Honors Program and plans to major in English. Citizen of the Year Award: Irv Denton. Irv has dedicated his time and efforts to the residents of Annandale for many years, having served on the boards of the Annandale Central Business Planning Committee and the Annandale Chamber of Commerce. After his distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, he focused his energies in the field of education and taught classes at the Northern Virginia Community College. His commitment to our country, our community and our future is an inspiration to us all. Firefighter of the Year Award: Apparatus Technician John Lockhart. John has given more than 25 years of service to the residents of Fairfax County, including 14 at the Annandale Station. John also serves as a tremendous community resource, instructing the younger firefighters in the safe usage of the equipment, and helping to ensure that Annandale residents will continue to receive the highest quality rescue care into the future. Police Officer of the Year Award: Detective Horace Lawalt. Horace has served the residents of Fairfax County for more than 11 years, including 5 years at the Mason District Station. As a detective in the Criminal Investigation Section, he has helped keep the community safe from burglaries, robberies and grand larcenies. Despite having one of the lowest per capita police forces, Fairfax County enjoys one of the lowest crime rates of any jurisdiction its size due to the exceptional work and dedication of Horace and his fellow officers. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Dennis, Emma, Jacquelyn, Irv, John and Horace, the honorees of the 2010 Annandale Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, and thanking them for their service to our community. Each honoree is a role model for his or her peers and an invaluable member of our community. ____________________