Ben Chandler tag:chandler.house.gov,2008-09-11:/28 2012-05-15T18:25:20Z Press Releases from Representative Ben Chandler within the last 90 days Movable Type Enterprise 4.361 Chandler Congratulates Anderson County Students on Appointment tag:chandler.house.gov,2012://28.4169 WASHINGTON (May 15, 2012)—Congressman Chandler last night recognized Anderson County High School students Victoria Yeaste and Matthew Sprague for their appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy during their school’s senior awards program. Ms. Yeaste and Mr. Sprague received the appointments after Chandler nominated them.

“The United States Air Force Academy is one of our country’s most storied and outstanding educational institutions,” said Chandler. “Graduates of the USAFA have a strong record of going on to become future leaders of our country, and I’m proud to announce that Victoria and Matthew will join their company.”

It is no easy feat to receive an appointment to a U.S. service academy.  Students must have an excellent academic record, participate in extracurricular activities and be in top physical condition. The students not only endured a rigorous application process with the Air Force Academy, but participated in Congressman Chandler’s review process, which includes a final interview by a panel made up of former academy graduates and current or retired officers.

“I have been the recipient of many freedoms and blessings as an American, especially as a woman,” Yeaste said during the application process. “I want that patriotism to live through me by obtaining a USAFA military education and becoming a U.S. Air Force officer.”

“In the small town of Lawrenceburg, flags fly on nearly every home,” said Sprague in his application essay. “My own family boasts several veterans, and military service is held in the highest regard. These experiences have instilled in a me a deep respect and gratitude to the men and women who have served out country so worthily, and I would consider it an honor and a privilege to join them in service.”

Yeaste is ranked first overall in her class. In addition to her strong academic record, she is vice president of her senior class, captains her varsity soccer team, and participated in the Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP). She also volunteers in her community and tutors her peers. Her older brother Josh graduates from the Air Force Academy this spring.
 
Sprague maintained a 4.0 GPA through high school while playing on his school’s football, weightlifting, track, and cross country teams. He served as president of his junior class and is a member of the National Honor Society. Like Ms. Yeaste, he also tutors his classmates and volunteers regularly.

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]]> Chandler Congratulates Franklin County Student on Appointment tag:chandler.house.gov,2012://28.4168 WASHINGTON (May 11, 2012)—Congressman Chandler today recognized Franklin County High School student Nathaniel Sudkamp for his appointment the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Sudkamp received the appointment after Chandler nominated him.

“The United States Merchant Marine Academy is a first-rate educational institution that prepares America’s best and brightest for a career in military service,” said Chandler. “This appointment is a tremendous opportunity for Mr. Sudkamp, and I’m very proud of him and wish him much success in the future.”

It is no easy feat to receive an appointment to a U.S. service academy.  Students must have an excellent academic record, participate in extracurricular activities and be in top physical condition.  Sudkamp not only endured a rigorous application process with the Merchant Marine Academy, but participated in Congressman Chandler’s review process, which includes a final interview by a panel made up of former academy graduates and current or retired officers.

In addition to his strong academic record, Sudkamp plays goalie for his varsity soccer team, referees soccer games, and tutors his classmates in calculus. His parents are Laura and Phil Sudkamp.


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]]> Anderson Co. Student's Art To Be Displayed In U.S. Capitol tag:chandler.house.gov,2012://28.4167 Chandler presents Christina Wallace of Anderson Co. HS with art award

Anderson County

WASHINGTON (May 7, 2012) – Last week, Congressman Ben Chandler announced Christina Wallace of Anderson County High School as the overall winner of the 2012 Congressional Art Competition. Wallace won first place in Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District with her piece entitled “Three Houses.” Her artwork will be displayed inside the United States Capitol building for one year.

“Whenever I welcome visitors to DC and meet with the people I represent, I take great pride in pointing out the work of a young Central Kentucky artist on display in the halls of the U.S. Capitol,” said Chandler. “Congratulations to Ms. Wallace and all of our winners this year. We appreciate your contribution to the culture and beauty of the Commonwealth.”

Other participants receiving awards include:

•    Phillip Haddaway of Bryan Station High School won the award for best computer generated art for his piece “Unforgotten, Horrible, Unfocused Dream.”
•    Matthew Hartley of Anderson County High School won the award from best drawing for his piece “66 Fairlane.”
•    Victoria Alexandra Jenkins of Bryan Station High School won the award for best mixed media for her piece “The Golden Gate.”
•    Catherine Graham of West Jessamine High School won the award for best painting for her piece “The Rose.”
•    Faye Teng of Western Hill High School won the award for best photography for her piece “Happiness.”
•    Madeline Frenzl of Model Laboratory School won the award for best print for her piece “Autumn Stories.”
•    Christa Watson of Anderson County High School won the award for best artwork in Anderson County for her piece “Purple Cat.”
•    Gabriel Baczkowski of Bryan Station High School won the award for best artwork in Fayette County for his piece “Kentucky Catfish.”
•    Samantha Hensly of Western Hills High School won the award for best artwork in Franklin County for her piece “Art Supplies.”
•    Mae Borgwardt of Garrard County High School won the award for best artwork in Garrard County for her piece “Winter Cathedral.”
•    Angel Fox of West Jessamine High School won the award for best artwork in Jessamine County for her piece “Starry Face.”
•    Trisha Brockmeyer of Model Laboratory School won the award for best artwork in Madison County for her piece “Mustang.”
•    Chad Venn of Woodford County High School won the award for best artwork in Woodford County for his piece “Helianthus.”

Created in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition is an annual competition where the artwork of high school students is judged at the congressional district level.  In addition to an overall district winner, a winner is chosen from each county and in each of seven categories: painting, drawing, collage, print, mixed media, computer generated art, and photography.  The art from the overall winner of the competition will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Christina Wallace Winning Drawing

Christina Wallace's winning piece, "Three Houses"

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]]> Chandler Introduces Bill Congratulating UK Men's Basketball Team tag:chandler.house.gov,2012://28.4166 WASHINGTON (April 19, 2012)—This week, Congressman Ben Chandler introduced H. Res. 622, a resolution congratulating the University of Kentucky men's basketball team on winning the NCAA Division I National Championship.

Congressman Chandler spoke on the House floor yesterday about the team. His full remarks are copied below, and his speech can be viewed here.


Congressman Ben Chandler
Floor Statement on H. Res. 622
April 18, 2012


Mr. Speaker, I am the proud sponsor of a resolution congratulating the University of Kentucky Men's Basketball team for winning the 2012 NCAA Division I National Championship.

Since the days of Adolph Rupp, the University of Kentucky Wildcats have been a part of the fabric of our commonwealth, and the success of this year's team will be remembered for generations to come.

The University of Kentucky boasts one of the proudest and most celebrated basketball programs in the whole country. As an alumnus, I may have a slight personal bias, but I also believe the statistics speak for themselves. The UK Wildcats are the winningest team in the history of college basketball and have won the second most national championships. They've appeared in more NCAA tournaments and won more games in the tournament than any other team.

Even in the great tradition of Kentucky basketball, this year's team was special. Known as "The Undeniables," they shattered the NCAA record for shots blocked and set a new record for single season wins with 38 victories. The Wildcats dominated the NCAA tournament with a combination of explosive offense, suffocating defense, and team chemistry.
   
This season wouldn't have been possible without Head Coach John Calipari, known far and wide as Coach Cal. Although known as a skilled tactician and recruiter, the key to Coach Cal's success has always been how much he cares about his players. He mentors these young men so they are primed to succeed both on and off the court, and I think I can speak for all Wildcat fans when I say that we hope to see him on the sidelines at Rupp Arena for many years to come.

From top to bottom, every member of this team played an important role in their drive for the championship, but there are three players in particular that deserve special recognition. Anthony Davis had one of the most remarkable college basketball seasons in recent memory, winning 8 National Player of the Year awards and setting a NCAA record for most blocks in a season by a freshman. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was unquestionably the heart and soul of the team. And Darius Miller, a native of Mason County and former Mr. KY Basketball, ended his stellar career on a high note by setting a school record for most appearances in a Kentucky uniform and joining the prestigious 1,000 point club.

Finally, this team was supported every step of the way by its fans—the Big Blue Nation—who made Rupp Arena one of the toughest places to play in the country. They prove time and time again why Kentucky is the best state for college basketball.
   
This year was an especially proud year for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as we sent two teams to the Final Four. I want to congratulate the University of Louisville Cardinals and Head Coach Rick Pitino on an outstanding season and a hard fought rivalry game that lived up to its immense hype. I also commend the University of Kansas and The Ohio State University on their terrific years and for making it all the way to New Orleans.

As the member privileged to represent the University of Kentucky, I am honored to introduce this resolution today, and I look forward to welcoming the Wildcats to Washington next month.


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]]> Reps. Chandler, Yarmuth mark historic UK vs. UofL Final Four tag:chandler.house.gov,2012://28.4165 Fayette County

WASHINGTON (March 28, 2012)—With the Universities of Louisville and Kentucky set to square off in the Final Four for the first time in history, some speculate that in-state tensions will be particularly high. But the “riv-pals” who represent the schools in Congress say their achievements are already a victory for the Commonwealth.

“These fine universities have two of the richest traditions in college basketball, and we can all be proud of the achievements of these remarkable student athletes,” said Congressman John Yarmuth (UofL).  “The teams are both so good, I’m sure that whoever prevails, it will be the experience of the teams’ seasoned upperclassmen that leads the way.”

“Even when you look back at our seven championship teams, I’m not sure anyone’s ever seen such an unbelievable display of talent at the college level as this one," Congressman Ben Chandler (UK) said. “I think it’s great that everyone in Kentucky can be a part of the Wildcats’ journey to another championship.”

“The Cards have been underdogs in the vast majority of their games in the post-season, and they continue to rise to the challenge, surprise people, and just find a way to win,” Congressman Yarmuth added.

Added Congressman Chandler: “While nobody is surprised by the way Coach Cal and the Cats have absolutely dominated the tournament.”

Yarmuth continued: “The Cats haven’t faced a defense like this one.”

Chandler responded: “How did your defense fare in December?”   

Yarmuth: “At Rupp!  Besides, these guys are playing at a whole other level now.”

Chandler: “We’ll see about that.”

Yarmuth: “It’s on!”

Chandler: “It is definitely on!”

GO CATS!

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]]> VIDEO: Chandler Speaks on National Teach Ag Day tag:chandler.house.gov,2012://28.4164 ]]> Chandler: 'Extremely Disappointed By Decision To Close Lexington Mail Center' tag:chandler.house.gov,2012://28.4162 WASHINGTON (February 23, 2012)—Congressman Chandler today released a statement on the announcement by the United States Postal Service about the Lexington mail processing facility:

“I am extremely disappointed by the decision of the United States Postal Service to close the mail processing facility in Lexington and will do everything I can to reverse this decision. I acknowledge the Postal Service faces pressures to downsize in this tough economy, but closing the Lexington facility is absolutely the wrong way to deal with its fiscal problems and could harm our region in the long run.

“In addition, citizens have brought to my attention many concerns about the accuracy of information gathered for the study which was used in the determination.  I have again demanded the Government Accountability Office review the study used to make this decision, and have also requested a review by the USPS Office of Inspector General to ensure the decision is justified.”

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