[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 73 (Tuesday, June 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S5994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO JACQUELYN BENSON AND ALEXANDER KAUFMAN 1998 UNITED STATES 
                         PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Jacquelyn Benson and Alexander Kaufman of New Hampshire for 
being named 1998 United States Presidential Scholars.
  Jacquelyn Benson is a student at Winnacunnet High School in Hampton 
Falls, New Hampshire, and has been active in her school's National 
Honor Society and Art Department. Jacquelyn plays the piano, is 
currently working on a book of fiction, and plans to attend 
Northeastern University in the fall. She chose Ms. Toni Talas as her 
most influential teacher.
  Alexander Kaufman is also a 1998 Presidential Scholar. As a student 
at Phillips Exeter Academy in Dover, New Hampshire, Alexander has 
excelled in writing and math and was the editor of the school's poetry 
journal. He is also active in environmental issues and will be 
attending Harvard University in the fall. Alexander selected the late 
Frederick Tremallo as his most influential teacher.
  The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 
1964, by Executive Order of President Johnson, to recognize and honor 
some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. 
Each year, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects 
up to 141 Scholars on the basis of their accomplishments in many areas: 
academic and artistic success, scholarship, leadership, and involvement 
in school and community. The Commission invites the students to 
Washington, DC, to be honored for their accomplishments during National 
Recognition Week.
  The Scholars, as guests of the Commission, along with their families 
and the teachers whom the Scholars have chosen as the ``most 
influential'' in their academic and artistic endeavors, will be 
involved in many activities while in Washington, DC. They will 
participate in informative panel discussions, a ceremony sponsored by 
the White House, a reception and art exhibit of the work by Scholars in 
the Visual Arts at the National Museum for American Art, and an evening 
at the Kennedy Center featuring performances by the Scholars in the 
Performing Arts.
  As a former teacher and school board chairman, I recognize the 
challenges involved in providing students a quality education. 
Congratulations to Jacquelyn and Alexander for their distinguished 
recognition. I am pleased they have been recognized for their success 
and it is with great pleasure that I represent them in the United 
States Senate.

                          ____________________