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Congressional Daily Record
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September 24, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. ZACHARY NUNN
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chad Donahue of Des Moines, Iowa, for receiving the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence and for his outstanding commitment to preparing the next generation of Iowa's skilled workforce.
Chad brings two decades of field and shop experience with Sheet Metal Workers Local 45 into his classroom. He did precision work in food- grade stainless and structural steel for companies like Firestone, Cargill, and Tone's Spices, won his local apprentice welding contest three
years in a row, and has a decade of experience teaching apprentices. Chad understands firsthand the difference a great teacher can make. He overcame his own early difficulties as a student with the encouragement of an empathetic educator, and he shows that same patience with every young person who walks into his lab, including English language learners and students with individualized education programs.
His results speak for themselves. In 2025, his program's all-girls welding team captured the overall state championship, and in 2026, a Central Campus student won the Missouri Welding Institute national competition against top trade schools from across the country. Through partnerships with John Deere Des Moines Works and Plumbers and Steam fitters Local 33, his students are gaining direct pathways into rewarding careers.
selected as one of just 25 skilled trades teachers nationwide, out of more than 550 applicants from 49 states, to receive the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. He is one of two Iowa teachers honored this year. The full $75,000 prize will go toward strengthening the Central Campus skilled trades program and expanding opportunities for young Iowans.
Mr. Speaker, educators like Chad Donahue are helping build the next generation of American craftsmanship. His dedication to his students, commitment to excellence. And passion for the skilled trades embodies the very best of Iowa. I congratulate Chad on this well-deserved national recognition and thank him for the lasting impact he continues to make on our students, workforce, and community.