Diane S. Sykes: “Today I rise to honor Peter George as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. For 25 years, Peter…”

“Today I rise to honor Peter George as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. For 25 years, Peter George, or as many know him as Gilby, has played the part of the Akron Public Schools' districtwide mascot. In a canine costume that was heavy and hot, Peter showed up lighthearted and energetic to meet the hugs, high-fives, and smiles of Akron children. As Gilby, Peter has danced at pep rallies, walked in parades, posed for photos, and comforted ill or disabled youth. What mattered most wasn't the costume. It was the care. Peter understood that for some kids, Gilby wasn't just a mascot, but rather a highlight of someone's day or the lightening of someone's load. From school hallways to hospital rooms, Peter met children where they were and made them feel seen. In fact, although he says he is retiring, he will never turn down an opportunity to put a smile on a child's face who happens to be in the hospital. Today I honor someone most of us have known not by his face, but by the joy he brought into our lives. Peter's work reminds us that joy is a form of service. I thank him for his 25 years of love, laughter, kindness, and APS school pride.”