[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 20, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 CONGRATULATING HEATHER WHITESTONE ON BEING CROWNED MISS AMERICA 1995--
                              S. Res. 260

  Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of Senate Resolution 260, a 
resolution congratulating Heather Whitestone on being crowned Miss 
America, 1995, submitted earlier today by Senators Shelby and Heflin, 
that the resolution be agreed to and the motion to reconsider be laid 
upon the table, that the preamble be agreed to and any statements 
relating to this legislation be placed in the Record at the appropriate 
place as if read.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Miss America 1995, 
Heather Whitestone, crowned on September 17, 1995. Miss Whitestone, a 
resident of Birmingham, AL, is a wonderful choice to receive this 
honor. She brings much pride to the State of Alabama and the Nation.
  Miss Whitestone is an outstanding example and inspiration for us all. 
Being the first hearing-impaired woman to be crowned Miss America, Miss 
Whitestone has overcome the hardships and challenges of her handicap 
with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude. A graduate of 
Berry High School in Birmingham, with a 3.6 grade point average--on a 
4.0 scale--Miss Whitestone maintains high academic standing as a junior 
accounting major at Jacksonville State University. She is an 
accomplished, awe-inspiring ballerina, as those of us who saw her 
performance during the competition can firmly attest.
  Mr. President, I am sure I am not alone when I say that more than her 
striking beauty and intelligence, Miss Whitestone's attitude toward 
life and her handicap makes her a truly special and inspiring 
individual. She often makes statements such as ``The most handicapped 
[person] in the world is a negative thinker'', and quotes Helen Keller 
as saying: ``Know your problems, but don't let them master you.'' She 
is not just an inspiration to the handicapped men, women, and children 
of this Nation, but to us all.
  Mr. President, I am excited, pleased and proud that Heather 
Whitestone from Alabama has been named Miss America 1995. She is a 
wonderful selection and I am confident she will bring honor and 
integrity to the crown and to this country.
  The resolution (S. Res. 260) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 260

       Whereas on September 17, 1994, Heather Whitestone, a 
     resident of Birmingham, Alabama and a student at Jacksonville 
     State University, was crowned Miss America 1995;
       Whereas Heather Whitestone is the first hearing-impaired 
     woman to hold the title of Miss America;
       Whereas Heather Whitestone's outstanding academic, 
     artistic, and personal achievements make her a role model for 
     the youth of the United States;
       Whereas Heather Whitestone's success in overcoming 
     significant obstacles to her personal and professional goals 
     is an inspiration to all the people of the United States who 
     face similar barriers to realizing their dreams; and
       Whereas Heather Whitestone's commitment to excellence makes 
     her an exceptional choice for Miss America 1995: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate congratulates Heather Whitestone 
     on being crowned Miss America 1995.
       Sec. 2. The Secretary of the Senate shall transmit a copy 
     of this resolution to Heather Whitestone, Miss America 1995.

                          ____________________