[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 2 (Thursday, January 4, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E14]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING DR. GIL BELTAN, EDUCATOR

                                 ______


                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 4, 1996

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure and a true 
honor for me to recognize the many achievements of Dr. Gil Beltran who, 
for over 65 years, has dedicated his life to educating children at his 
school in Miami. Indeed, Dr. Beltran's unyielding commitment to the 
education of children is nothing short of remarkable.
  He founded his school, La Luz, The Light, with the mission to provide 
students with the foundations of academic excellence while stressing 
the importance of serving one's community. The school was first 
inaugurated at the turn of the century in Havana, Cuba and then 
initiated again in Miami for the exiled Cuban-American community. Dr. 
Beltran's determination to educate those who yearned to be free in the 
United States, and to teach students the true meanings of the words 
``liberty'' and ``justice,'' has made him a true philanthropist of the 
south Florida community. One can measure the resounding success of Dr. 
Beltran's vision by witnessing the smiles and gratitude of the students 
and parents on graduation day.
  Many Miami residents first learned how to read and write because Dr. 
Beltran's undying vision and commitment to the youth of south Florida. 
It should give all a great sense of pride to honor a man whose 
prescience continues to set a standard of excellence for all to admire.

                          ____________________