[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E 1839]]


     IN HONOR OF THE MARY T. NORTON CONGRESSIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 1995

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise before the House of 
Representatives to pay tribute to Joanne L. Smith, Elnora Watson, and 
Carol Ann Wilson, this year's recipients of the Mary T. Norton 
Congressional Award. This prestigious award, sponsored by the United 
Way Partners in Caring, will be presented at its 60th Annual Campaign 
Kick-Off Luncheon on September 26, 1995.
  The United Way of Hudson County, founded in 1935, works to meet human 
service needs with the help of a staff of volunteers, including 
approximately 1,100 corporate, labor, government, and civil leaders. 
The United Way initiated this award in 1990 in recognition of 
Congresswoman Norton's commitment to human services. This award 
recognizes women who make an outstanding effort in furthering the 
success of United Way Programs in our community and statewide.
  Joanne L. Smith, born, raised, and educated in Jersey City, holds a 
bachelor's degree in urban studies from St. Peter's College. As 
executive director of Let's Celebrate, a local United Way organization 
feeding the hungry, she serves the community by moving people from 
hunger to wholeness. She has developed a 19-week job training program 
called Job Power. Ms. Smith serves as a volunteer for many 
organizations, including homeless shelters and a 24-hour helpline.
  Elnora Watson is a native of Jersey City who serves as the president 
and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Hudson County. Ms. 
Watson, a St. Peter's College graduate, has been employed at the Urban 
League for the past 19 years. The Urban League promotes racial harmony 
by working to stamp out prejudice and intolerance in communities 
throughout the Nation. As leader of the Urban League of Hudson County, 
she has developed numerous outreach programs in an effort to help bring 
the promise of America to those less fortunate.
  Carol Ann Wilson, a graduate of Seton Hill College in Pennsylvania, 
was elected to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. She 
holds a master's degree in educational psychology from Fordham 
University. As an educator and director of special services in the 
Secaucus Public School District, she developed special education 
programs which assist children with special needs. In the past, she was 
named ``New Jersey's Outstanding Young Woman'' and ``New Jersey Woman 
of the Year.'' Ms. Wilson was involved in generating funds for 
community mental health programs. As director of the Hudson County 
Department of Human Services, she developed the AIDS Network of Care 
which attempts to work with AIDS patients who also suffer from 
substance abuse.
  These three individuals, the United Way and all of the volunteers of 
America should be commended for their compassion for and dedication to 
the needs of their fellow Americans. I salute them today.

                          ____________________