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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E914-E915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING ALEXANDER V. MITRENKO
______
HON. FRED KELLER
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Friday, July 12, 2019
Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize and
congratulate Alexander V. Mitrenko of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, who
will take his oath of citizenship today in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Nearly 19 years ago, Alex arrived in Selinsgrove for the first time
as a 16-year-old high school exchange student from the Ukraine. Upon
his arrival, Alexander knew no one, had no family to accompany him but
in spirit, and spoke very little English. But as Alex stood at the
beginning of a journey that would eventually bring him to raising his
right hand today in allegiance to our nation, he held with him what our
nation's earliest settlers had established and would take him toward a
brighter and better future: the promise of America.
Alexander readily adapted to American life by forging new friendships
in Central Pennsylvania and joining several groups in his school: the
soccer and baseball teams, chess club, and the school band, to name a
few. He worked tirelessly to improve his English, studied hard,
frequently offered a unique perspective on world events to his
classmates, and was always willing to offer a helping hand to a friend
in need. To this day, he continues his close friendship with his host
father in the United States, George Kinney.
Upon his graduation from high school, Alexander attended Susquehanna
University and earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Finance and
Information Systems in 2005. He worked full-time after college and
attended Drexel University's LeBow College of Business at night. In
2011, he received a Master's of Business Administration in Investment
Management and International Business. In July 2015, Alex obtained his
green card and married his wife, Erin, later that same year in October.
They currently reside in Selinsgrove with their three adopted cats and
are currently
[[Page E915]]
restoring one of the town's historic properties on Market Street.
Today, Alexander remains a selfless member of his community. He
previously served as a volunteer firefighter, takes part in 5k races
and soccer games to raise money for charitable causes, and frequently
participates in volunteer opportunities through his employer,
Prudential Financial. He is also an avid fan of the Philadelphia
Eagles, Flyers, and Phillies.
Madam Speaker, if today we were tasked with finding some living proof
that demonstrates how alive and well the promise of America is today, I
would respectfully reference this invitation to congratulate Alexander
V. Mitrenko on becoming a citizen of the United States of America. We,
as a free and democratic nation, congratulate and welcome him, as he is
officially guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness.
