[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 61 (Monday, April 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  TRIBUTE TO YOUNG AMBASSADORS PROGRAM

                                 ______


                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, April 3, 1995
  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the Young 
Ambassadors Program for facilitating and promoting cultural and racial 
understanding between the United States and Japan. In 1990, the first 
delegation of Los Angeles area students and community leaders initiated 
the program with a visit to Japan. The Sixth Young Ambassador 
delegation will travel to Japan between April 6 and 14, 1995.
  The Young Ambassadors Program was founded by Sanrio Co., Ltd., a 
Japanese company specializing in small gift items. Mr. Shintaro Tsuji, 
president of Sanrio Co., Ltd. and his son, Kunihiko, Tsuji, president 
of Sanrio Communications, Inc. have been instrumental in supporting and 
nurturing the program.
  The delegation is composed of eight high school students. Reflecting 
the rich diversity of the Los Angeles area, the students include 
immigrants from Eritrea, El Salvador, and Korea. American-born African-
American, Mexican-American, white and multiracial students are also in 
the delegation. Over the past 5 years, more than 23 different 
ethnicities have been represented in the program.
  Current delegates include: Shameka Allen, Granada Hills High School, 
Er-Gene Kahng, Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies, Tony C. 
Marshall, Jr., Washington High School, Yvonne Olivarez, Dorsey High 
School, Oscar Sosa, Eagle Rock High School, Daniel Tekleab, Venice High 
School, Domikian Ware, Hamilton High School, and Sharon Williams, 
Monrovia High School.
  The sharing of perceptions through candid discussion is a major 
feature of the program. These young leaders are provided an 
extraordinary opportunity to spend more than a week meeting with 
community leaders to learn more about challenges they face. This 
provides a great opportunity for modeling and building long-term 
relationships.
  For many who leave their neighborhoods for the very first time, it is 
a remarkable opportunity to broaden their cultural horizons. I salute 
the Young Ambassadors Program for providing a life-changing, positive 
experience for young people. I also salute Mr. Shintaro Tsuji and Mr. 
Kunihiko Tsuji for their thoughtful concern and action on behalf of our 
mutual communities.


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