[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 6, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E292-E293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              MELISSA CORNELL NAMED TO CARRY OLYMPIC TORCH

                                 ______


                           HON. BARNEY FRANK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 1996

  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, one of the few positive 
issues on which much of the world unites these days is support for the 
Olympic games. For most Americans, the fact that the games will be held 
in the United States makes this year's games especially important. And 
for these reasons, the people of southeastern Massachusetts, and 
especially the people of the town of Freetown, are proud that Melissa 
Cornell of Freetown has been named as one of those who will carry the 
Olympic torch. As the accompanying article from the New Bedford 
Standard Times shows, Melissa Cornell is an extremely impressive young 
woman, and I congratulate Lisa Devlin of the I.H. Schwartz Center for 
nominating her and the U.S. Olympic Committee for selecting her for 
this honor. Mr. Speaker, the story of this young woman is an inspiring 
one and I ask that the article from the New Bedford Standard Times 
about Melissa Cornell and her selection as an Olympic torch bearer be 
printed here.

                 [From the New Bedford Standard Times]

              Community Hero Chosen to Carry Olympic Torch

                         (By Elizabeth Lawton)

       In July, the Olympics will be coming to Atlanta. For 
     lifelong resident Melissa Cornell, the festivities have 
     already begun.
       Thanks to a nomination sent in to the U.S. Olympic 
     Committee by Lisa Devlin of the I.H. Schwartz Center in New 
     Bedford, stating Melissa's kindness, generosity and 
     willingness to always help others, a package arrived at her 
     Chipaway Lane home via UPS, informing her of being selected 
     to carry the Olympic torch on June 15 in Boston.
       ``I'm wicked excited, but I didn't really believe it,'' 
     said Melissa.
       The road that brought Melissa here has not been without 
     pain and struggles.
       Melissa, daughter of Steven and Alice Cornell, was 4 years 
     old when a brain tumor was discovered. She endured three 
     operations that left her partially paralyzed. She was a 
     student at the I.H. Schwartz Center before going on to 
     graduate in 1983 from Apponequet Regional High School in 
     Lakeville.
       She has since given freely of her time at the center, and 
     to Easter Seals and many other charitable organizations that 
     she feels she can help.
       Melissa's philosophy for life is one of giving back to 
     those who have helped her along the journey. Some might look 
     at Melissa and see her as physically challenged; I had the 
     privilege of spending a recent snowy afternoon watching her 
     teach an 8-year-old to tie shoes, do origami and zipper, all 
     with the use of only her left hand. It was I who felt 
     challenged.
       Melissa doesn't allow much to slow her down. ``I like to 
     get up every day and do things,'' she says.
       On Feb. 21, Melissa, along with 67 other Massachusetts 
     residents, was honored as a community hero in a reception at 
     Boston City Hall, with the Boston Mayor Thomas Menino 
     welcoming his guests, along with Marion Heard, president of 
     the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, and respresentatives of 
     Coca-Cola Bottlers of New England.
       Melissa will receive an official Olympic running uniform 
     that she will wear June 15 as she carries the 3\1/2\-pound 
     torch and runs her half mile toward yet another goal: 
     representing Freetown in this official Olympic event.
       We all need heroes to help us remember the goodness in all 
     people.
       Melissa, we are proud to know you and have you as our 
     hometown hero. We will be with you--if not in body, in 
     spirit--on June 15 as you continue on your journey.
       The Olympic Search Committee lists a community hero as 
     someone who performs

[[Page E293]]

     outstanding volunteer work, serves as a community leader, 
     role model or mentor, performs acts of generosity or 
     kindness; and performs extraordinary feats locally or 
     nationally.
       The statement of purpose of the U.S. Olympic Committee in 
     Atlanta says: ``The committee for the Olympic Games seeks to 
     honor America's community heroes, people whose service to 
     others embraces the Olympic Spirit. For 84 days and 15,000 
     miles across America, Community Hero Torchbearers will bring 
     the glow of the Olympic Flame to their communities along the 
     route of the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay.''

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