[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 86 (Thursday, June 19, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1257-E1258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO SPECIAL STUDENTS FROM WILLIAMSBURG BROOKLYN OF NEW YORK'S 
                      12TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 1997

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, It is with great honor that I 
congratulate some very special students from the 12th Congressional 
District of New York. I am certain that this day marks the culmination 
of much hard work and many valiant efforts for these students whose 
work and efforts have had and will continue to lead them to success. 
Many have overcome the obstacles of overcrowded and dilapidated 
classrooms, antiquated and insufficient instructional material. While 
others have overcome the all too frequent distractions of random 
violence and pervasive drug activity. However, these students have 
proudly persevered despite the odds. Their success is a tribute not 
only to their own strength, but also to the supportive parents and 
teachers who have encouraged them to succeed.
  These students have learned that education is priceless. They know 
that education will provide them with the tools and opportunities to be 
successful in any endeavor they pursue. In many respects, this is the 
most important lesson they will carry with them for the rest of their 
lives.
  In closing, I would like to say that the best and brightest youths in 
America must be encouraged to stay on course so they can pave the way 
for a better future of this Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in 
the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the 
following academic achievers who have triumphed despite adversity.
  Congratulations to: Victor De Jesus--P.S. 16, Anita Rendon, Edwin 
Hernandez--P.S. 18, Juan Guandique, Robert Gil, Jr., Michelle Detres, 
James Roman--I.S. 49, Yasmine Grossebacker, Milagros Sanchez--J.H.S. 
50, Ivan Villar, Marisa Rodriguez--I.S. 71, Cristian Campoverde, 
Vanessa Colon--P.S. 84, Zeila Herrera, Evelyn Olivieri--P.S. 147, 
Eliezer de

[[Page E1258]]

Leon, Celina Garcia--P.S. 106, Antonio Romero, Amir Hairston--P.S. 250, 
Jasmine Sepulveda, Jorge Melendez--P.S. 257, Anthony Tejera, Wister 
Dorta--I.S. 318, Marlene Alvarado, Christina Pagan--P.S. 380, Juan 
Carmona, Claudia Gusman--E.D. Senior Acadamey, Amzad D. Hosein, Thomas 
R. Napolitano--Holy Trinity School, Jose Enrique Sequi, Jr., Jessica 
Martinez--St. Peter & Paul School, Brian Paris, Gladys Alvarado--All 
Saints R.C. School, Francine Hodgson, Cesarina Paula--Transfiguration 
School, Iris Trinidad, Amanda Zolon--St. Nicholas Elementary School.

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