[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 5, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         AMY NICOLLE JOHNSON, AUGUST 20, 1978-DECEMBER 14, 1995

 Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the 
memory of a fine young person from Minnesota, Amy Nicolle Johnson.
  Amy Johnson grew up at her family's home on Lake Sarah and attended 
the Rockford public schools from kindergarten through her senior year 
of high school. At age 17, Amy died in a car accident early one morning 
on her way to the school she loved.
  An excellent student, talented athlete, and student leader, Amy was 
extensively involved in diverse activities throughout the year. A 
typical school year began for Amy with a class schedule that included 
band and choir in addition to the traditional academic subjects.
  Her 6-year commitment to band was most demanding in the autumn with 
extra practices for the flag corps of the marching band and many 
evenings devoted to playing the trumpet with the pep band. She also 
played volley ball for 5 years, 3 of which were spent on the varsity 
team.
  Gymnastics marked the beginning of the winter season for her. 
Competing on all four events for all of her 5 years and a varsity team 
member for 4, Amy's involvement in this sport exemplified the pride, 
perseverance, and commitment that she applied to every facet of her 
life.
  She enjoyed singing with the choir and participated in choral duets 
and the stage--jazz--band for several years in district and State 
competitions. Her musical talent and enjoyment of the dramatic arts led 
Amy to participate in musicals and plays.
  The spring brought Amy outdoors, where she played second base with 
the varsity softball team for 4 years. Even though the school year 
would come to an end each spring, the softball season continued into 
the summer. From the tee ball leagues in second grade to the State 
softball fast pitch tournament in 1995, Amy spent many hours of her 
summer vacation on the field.
  The past two summers she began saving money for college working at 
Len Busch Roses and the Hennepin County Baker Park Reserve on Lake 
Independence.
  Throughout all of the season's activities, Amy was a leader inside 
and outside of the classroom. She was an honors student and a member of 
the National Honor Society, as well as the secretary of her senior, 
junior, and freshman class. She was the cocaptain of the gymnastic and 
softball teams and was recognized in all three sports as an all-
conference athlete. In her senior year she was chosen Homecoming Queen.
  Most of Amy's friends and teachers will remember her shining smile 
that simply defined her presence. It is her family's hope that this 
remarkable young woman's spirit will be perpetuated through a 
scholarship that was established in her memory.
  Amy valued respect, compassion, honesty, integrity, and 
responsibility. She made a sincere effort to live up to those values 
daily and she made a positive difference in the lives of all those she 
encountered.
  Mr. President, it is an honor for me to pay tribute to the memory of 
this remarkable young woman, Amy Johnson, who touched the lives of so 
many during her brief life.

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