[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 102 (Thursday, July 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATIONS DAVID McNEILL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 1996

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, one of the greatest inspirations for people 
is knowing that their friends and neighbors have been able to deal with 
unfortunate happenings in their lives. Even more inspiring is seeing 
how people can turn these unfortunate occurrences into new 
opportunities for greatness. I am pleased to tell our colleagues that 
one of my constituents, David McNeill, has done exactly that: He has 
taken what was a terrible moment in his life and turned it into an 
accomplishment for all to hail.
  In 1992, David McNeill was the victim of a car accident that left him 
confined to a wheel chair and forced him to find new employment because 
his accident would not allow him to continue to his profession as a 
tool and diemaker. Instead of becoming overcome with anxiety, David 
accepted his challenge head-on. He and his wife, Deborah, refinanced 
their home, sold his motorcycle, and other prized possessions to use 
money for their expenses. At Deborah's urging, he entered Delta College 
at the age of 46 where he has excelled academically, maintaining a 3.8 
average and being named to the 1996 Community College All-State 
Academic Second Team.
  His tremendous effort earned for him a competitive 6-week internship 
from Phi Theta Kappa at the U.S. Department of Education, which he is 
currently serving. I have had the pleasure of meeting with David 
McNeill, and I must tell you that we would all do much better if we had 
his spirit and his determination.
  Education is a never-ending process, and in our ever-changing world, 
we all need to keep learning new information and skills. David's 
efforts to expand his education is an inspiration to everyone. I am 
sure that it has been an exciting and challenging experience, and at 
times somewhat daunting. But to carry on in the outstanding fashion 
that he has at Delta is a clear demonstration of the value of focus and 
commitment.
  His internship at the Department of Education will help develop the 
cutting edge of future education programs. If our Nation is to remain a 
world leader, it will be because we took the time to educate our people 
and to provide opportunities for continuing education.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and all of our colleagues to join me in 
wishing David McNeill the very best as he continues to show each use 
that the only limit to hold us back is ourselves.

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