[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRADUATES OF THE 12TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

                                 ______


                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 1995
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it pleases me to congratulate some 
special graduates from the 12th Congressional District of New York. I 
am certain that this day marks the culmination of much hard work and 
many valiant efforts for these students, work and efforts which have 
led and will continue to lead them to success. They have overcome the 
obstacles of overcrowded and dilapidated classrooms, antiquated and 
insufficient instructional material, and the all too frequent 
distractions of random violence and pervasive drug activity. But these 
students have persevered despite the odds. Their success is a tribute 
not only to their own strength, but also to the supportive parents and 
teachers who have encouraged them to make it.
  These students have learned that education is priceless. They know 
that education will provide them with the tools and opportunities to be 
successful in any endeavor they pursue. In many respects, this is the 
most important lesson they will carry with them for the rest of their 
lives.
  In closing, I'd like to say that the best and brightest youths in 
America must be encouraged to stay on course so they can pave the way 
for a better future of this Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to 
join me in congratulating the following graduates who have triumphed 
despite adversity.
  Congratulations to the 1995 graduates of the 12th Congressional 
District:
  Cindy Pargan and Frolan Cancel--Eastern District H.S.; Christine 
Jackson and Jaime Dottin--W.H. Maxwell H.S.; Monica Mera and Willie 
Guzman--Bushwick H.S.; Robert Jacobs and Takisha Duggan--Murray 
Bergtraum H.S.; Ana Ferrin and Aida Markisic--Lower East Side Prep 
H.S.; Madelin Luna and Wilson Perez--J.H.S. 22; Mia Fowler and Jason 
Garcia--J.H.S. 56; Luis Barret and Tenaja Middleton--J.H.S. 296; 
Michael Lebron and Deborah Perez--I.S. 111; Nathaniel Foreman and 
Naiema Townsley--I.S. 383; Ruth Solis and Raymond Viera--I.S. 291; Rita 
Salas and Jasmine Velazquez--P.S. 86K; Keziah Ramirez and Erica Morel--
P.S. 297; Denise Lebron and Armando Luquis--Transfiguration School.


                          ____________________