[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 25 (Monday, March 3, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E359-E360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATIONS TO SHANNON BYRDSONG, MISS BLACK ALASKA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 3, 1997

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Miss 
Black Alaska for her

[[Page E360]]

success at the national Miss Black USA Pageant. Shannon Byrdsong 
represented Alaska well last Sunday February 23, 1997. Shannon is from 
Fairbanks, AK and is currently a student at the University of Oklahoma. 
Her parents, George and Vallie Byrdsong, made the trip from Alaska to 
proudly watch as their daughter advanced through the pageant held here 
locally at Howard University. After two nights of competition, Shannon 
ended as one of the top 15 finalists.
  While in the finals, Shannon was awarded both the Presidential Award 
and the Fundraiser Award. The Presidential Award was to honor Shannon 
for her strong leadership abilities. It was to award her for 
contributions to the community, while maintaining strong academic 
achievement. The Fundraiser Award was for accomplishing the most 
community support. It is significant to acknowledge this award, as 
young women competed from large States like California, Florida, and 
Texas. This support speaks a great deal about Shannon Byrdsong, as well 
as, the community she calls home.

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