[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 56 (Monday, May 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SALUTING MISTY PUTMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 1997

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
special East Texan, Misty Putman, a senior at Arp High School who 
recently was awarded the Horatio-Alger Scholarship for her uncommon 
valor and perseverance in the face of difficult circumstances. She was 
invited to Washington this week for a conference in recognition of this 
impressive award. Americans, young and old alike, could learn a great 
deal from this young woman.
  Three years ago, Misty's father, Terry, died of a heart attack. As we 
know, the death of a family member can be a crippling blow, yet Misty's 
response revealed her strength of character and resolve. She came to 
the assistance of her mother, Donna, who was facing difficult financial 
circumstances. Misty began working almost forty hours a week at 
Brookshire's Grocery in Overton and continued as a full-time student at 
Arp High School, while her mother also held three jobs in order to meet 
their expenses.
  Misty's perseverance and hard work resulted in her being awarded the 
$5,000 Horatio-Alger Scholarship. In doing so, she also gained the 
respect of her peers and her community, and she was recently honored 
during an awards ceremony at Arp High School. Misty plans to use this 
prestigious scholarship to attend either Tyler Junior College or 
Kilgore College in the fall, with plans for a future transfer to 
Stephen F. Austin University. She plans to major in sociology or 
criminal justice with hopes of becoming a probation officer, where she 
plans to use her life experiences to help those in need. We can 
anticipate that she will be most successful in whatever she pursues.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no way to measure the positive impact Misty has 
had on her family, her school and her community. Young people like 
Misty are our Nation's future leaders, and their efforts will help keep 
America great. It is a privilege for me to represent such an 
outstanding young person from the Fourth District of Texas, Misty 
Putman.

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