[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 65 (Friday, April 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E848-E849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   COMMENDING SABRINA NEKAY LEWELLEN

                                 ______


                      HON. BLANCHE LAMBERT LINCOLN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 1995
  Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 
accomplishments of an extraordinary young woman from my district. Ms. 
Sabrina Nekay Lewellen of Jonesboro, AR, was named the State winner in 
the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary's ``Voice of 
Democracy'' broadcast audio-essay contest. Ms. Lewellen wrote and 
delivered an inspiring and challenging speech on her vision for 
America. After reading her speech, I have a renewed confidence in the 
future of our great country. I would like to include a copy of her 
speech to be printed in the record and I would encourage my colleagues 
to read it and to accept Ms. Lewellen's challenge. Thank you.

[[Page E849]]

                         My Vision for America

                           (Sabrina Lewellen)

       All across America members of the class of 1995 are 
     contemplating which college to attend, what major to choose, 
     what career to pursue, and even who to take to the senior 
     prom. We are fortunate in that we can make these decisions as 
     individuals. We are not plagued with the same uncertainties 
     as some previous classes. The class of 1945 was filled with 
     loyal Americans who put their dreams on hold to serve the 
     cause of world peace. Similarly, the brave souls of the class 
     of 1965 put their personal visions aside so that thousands of 
     people in Vietnam could experience democracy.
       No, my class does not face these immediate tasks, but we do 
     have an obligation to each other, this country, and the 
     thousands of Americans before us who gave their loyal 
     services and even their lives.
       Throughout our history countless people have worked toward 
     an ``ideal'' America. One of freedom of expression, economic 
     possibility, toleration of uniqueness, and peaceful 
     resolutions. They contributed whole-heartedly for everyone's 
     prosperity until the end. As well known playwright Thornton 
     Wilder stated in his play Our Town, ``Gradually, gradually, 
     they let go hold of the earth--and the ambitions they had--
     and the pleasures they had--and the things they suffered--and 
     the people they loved.'' They never stopped trying to turn 
     the mediocre into the superior. They fought to make the 
     country the best that it could be and we as the inheritors of 
     the fruit of their imagination must make the best even 
     better.
       We have to realize that in order for a working unit to 
     function properly each element must make its contribution. My 
     vision for America is not one of apathy and selfishness, but 
     of caring and involvement. Not one of violence and confusion, 
     but one of peace and understanding. Sure, it's easy for me to 
     sit and visualize a better society, but if I do not dedicate 
     myself to this endeavor, how can I expect others to do the 
     same? Therefore, my vision for America begins with me.
       I plan to attend college and pursue a career in human 
     environmental science. With this knowledge, I will strive to 
     make not only a stronger America, but a healthier one. 
     Additionally, I will utilize my gift as a public speaker to 
     inform others, not only on my specific area of expertise, but 
     on a variety of issuses to help improve their every day 
     lives.
       This is what I plan to do. Now, what about you? Do you have 
     a vision? How committed are you to making a change in this 
     country?
       We live in one of the greatest nations on earth. Our 
     democracy grants us many freedoms and choices other nations 
     only dream of having. We, first as individuals, then as a 
     people must realize that we have to start today in order to 
     make a better tomorrow. We can no longer stare at our 
     Constitution in a glass chamber and view it only as a piece 
     of paper. We must rekindle its flame, make it eternal, and 
     transform it into a ``living'' document.
       All it takes is one person, in one city, in one country, in 
     one state, in these great United States. All it takes is one.
     

                          ____________________