[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 64 (Tuesday, May 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF LOIS NELSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 1998

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
extraordinary senior citizen from Princeton, Texas--Mrs. Lois Nelson--
whose success story is worthy of recognition. What makes Mrs. Nelson so 
extraordinary is that she entered the workforce for the first time in 
1982 at the age of 68 and has been active ever since.
  In 1982 Mrs. Nelson began working through the Green Thumb program as 
the site manager for the Senior Citizen's Center in Princeton. As site 
manager, Mrs. Nelson spent countless hours recruiting members, 
organizing activities, counseling fellow seniors and distributing food 
to those less fortunate. Seven years ago, she began her quest to 
fulfill a lifetime dream--to become a librarian. Mrs. Nelson became an 
aide in both the elementary and high school libraries. In this 
capacity, she applied herself to learn and master the skills necessary 
to be a successful librarian, but she was still lacking one 
credential--a high school diploma. At the age of 79, Mrs. Nelson 
returned to the classroom and in April of 1994, received her GED.
  On March 1, 1995, as a result of hard work and determination, a dream 
came true for Mrs. Nelson when she received her County Librarian, Grade 
3 Certification. As a librarian for the Princeton Independent School 
District, Mrs. Nelson not only performed her professional duties but 
also recruited Green Thumb applicants and GED students, assisted in a 
community green house project, and helped with the school tax office. 
Her boundless energy and enthusiasm were never more prevalent than in 
1996, when Mrs. Nelson had open-heart surgery. Within six weeks and at 
the age of 81, she was back at work, fulfilling her official and 
voluntary duties.
  Mrs. Nelson's enthusiasm for life, quest for knowledge, and 
willingness to give of herself set an example for all of us. In 
addition to obtaining her GED and receiving her County Librarian 
Certification, she has been active in a variety of community service 
efforts. Mrs. Nelson has participated in the 55-Alive class, attended 
Gang Awareness Inservice and Citizen's Crime class and served as a Pink 
Lady for the Ladies Volunteer Auxiliary at Columbia Medical Center--all 
after the age of 75.
  In recognition of her exemplary achievements, Mrs. Nelson was 
nominated for the 1997 Outstanding Older Worker of Texas award. Today I 
am pleased to announce Mrs. Nelson's selection for Honorable Mention in 
this statewide search. Mrs. Nelson is living proof that life can be 
challenging and filled with opportunity, regardless of age.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to this outstanding 
senior citizen from the Fourth District of Texas. Mrs. Lois Nelson is 
an inspiration and role model to all Americans.

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