As if having two children in 2005 and 2006 wasn't enough, I've had the honor of earning a Congressional Recognition Award, and have been flown out to Washington DC to receive the 2006 CCA GREAT Award. Read on for photos and more info.

The 2006 CCA GREAT Awards

CCA GREAT Award Photos

I was one of five very fortunate graduates to receive the Graduate Recognition for Excellence, Achievement and Talent (GREAT) Award on March 7th, 2006. During the ceremony, we welcomed several important officials, including Representative Howard P. Buck McKeon and Representative Carolyn McCarthy.

So we packed our bags and headed off to Washington DC on March 3rd, 2006. Laura of the Career College Association was absolutely fabulous in arranging only the best accommodations for the Wiideman family, and Orange County SEO Expert Steve Wiideman. The ceremony was to be held at our hotel, The Madison, off 15th St (walking distance to the White House).

During our visit, we had the opportunity to see nearly all of the extraordinary sites in Washington DC. Paris absolutely loved the Lincoln Memorial and my wife and I really enjoyed the walk around the estate at Mount Vernon. Our vist was absolutely wonderful!

The 2006 CCA GREAT Award Ceremony was by far the most exciting venue I've had the honor to speak at; with so many officials and executive-level people all there to see us five winners. I literally threw together a quick speech the morning of the ceremony, because we were so caught up in enjoying the city.

In my speech, I thanked my mother for teaching me the importance of keeping an achievement list, and I thanked my wife for showing me that a supportive family is the rock that all great achievements are built upon. I also thanked my program director, Glennon Neubauer, Westwood College, and the CCA for choosing me as one of the five winners.

Both Representatives gave a short speech congratulating us and giving us some personal antic dotes and stories relating to our success. Overall the event went on without a hitch and we had a fantastic time!

Check out the photos below from our trip and the 2006 CCA GREAT Awards ceremony.

The above photo shows Representative Howard P. Buck McKeon standing with all five 2006 CCA Award Winners.

The above photo shows Representative Carolyn McCarthy standing with all five 2006 CCA Award Winners.

This photo was taken in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.

The above photo shows me and my daughter Paris playing in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

This last photo (above) is Orange County SEO Expert Steve Wiideman with his daughter Paris Rose. We had a fantastic time in Washington DC - thanks CCA!