[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 30 (Thursday, March 7, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ARELIS FIGUEROA

                                 ______


                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 7, 1996

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to recognize the 
perseverance of Arelis Figueroa. She has overcome tremendous odds to 
pursue self-improvement, and in turn has assisted her family members to 
realize their innate potential.
  Arelis migrated to the United States from Puerto Rico at a very early 
age, along with her five older sisters. Life was not easy for her 
family, but despite difficulties, she began her odyssey of self-
improvement. Her three children, Arelis, Eric, and Nicole have been 
tremendous sources of inspiration and pride for her. Arelis, the 
eldest, is the first to receive a 4 year college degree; Eric is a 
member of the New York City Police Department, and Nicole, although 
afflicted with Downs's Syndrome, has distinguished herself in Special 
Olympic gymnastic events.
  Nicole's condition prompted Arelis to learn everything she could 
about the disease. She decided that learning about the disease and 
helping others similarly affected would be her calling. As a result, 
Arelis secured a position with the New York City Board of Education, 
working with students with special needs at P.S. 72 in Brooklyn.
  Through vision, tenacity and a sense of love, Arelis Figueroa has 
made her world, and the World around her a better place. I am 
profoundly inspired by her actions and accomplishments, and wish her 
much success in the future.

                          ____________________