[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E209-E210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO STEPHANIE ANN GRIEST

                                 ______


                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 1996

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
outstanding scholastic achievement of a young woman from my hometown, 
Corpus Christi, TX. Stephanie Ann Griest, a student at the University 
of Texas at Austin, was 1 of 20 students chosen nationwide to be a 
member of the USA Today's All-USA College Academic First team.
  As someone who has spent most of their public career promoting 
educational excellence, I am delighted by Stephanie's success and 
achievement. The importance, and the value of education are things we 
cannot emphasize enough to the youth of today. It is with great 
pleasure that I recognize such an 

[[Page E210]]
outstanding young woman, student, and community leader. Chosen for her 
exemplary academic successes and community involvement, Ms. Griest's 
determination, commitment, and hard work is exactly what we should 
attempt to encourage in all our students and in all our schools.
  I would also like to acknowledge Stephanie's parents, Lloyd and Irene 
Griest. As a farther, I recognize the commitment parents make in 
raising their children, and I commend them for the job they have done 
in raising Stephanie.
  I spend a great deal of time in my congressional district encouraging 
educational opportunities at every occasion possible. My message to 
young people is: education is the way out--and up. I tell them that 
education is their right, their responsibility, and their gateway to a 
better life. As 1 of only 20 students chosen nationwide, Stephanie is 
capitalizing on that right, focusing on her responsibility, and passing 
through the gateway to a better life.
  I would also like to commend USA Today, for selecting and rewarding 
these 20 students, and offering them as examples of what our youth are 
capable of achieving. I encourage other elements of the private sector 
to take the time, and make the investment in our children, by promoting 
education and rewarding our youth.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending this young 
lady. Stephanie, you have made us all very proud. Keep up the good 
work.

                          ____________________