Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Kim Van Wie, who retires after 28 years of being the executive director of STARBASE Minnesota. The Department of Defense's STARBASE program spans across 80 bases, providing world-class STEM programming to underserved fifth graders. Under Kim's outstanding leadership, STARBASE Minnesota grew from 2 classrooms to 11 and from 900 students per year to almost 7,000. I met Kim in 2019 at the STARBASE in St. Paul, where I had the opportunity to witness her inspiration to young scientists and engineers. It is no surprise that two previous graduates served on my constituent staff. Kim's commitment extends beyond title I students. During COVID, she propelled funding to provide 120,000 STEM kits for students across the region. Kim's selfless service and excellence will forever be celebrated. It is my privilege and honor to thank Ms. Kim Van Wie for her distinguished career and celebrate her well-deserved retirement. ____________________”