[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 85 (Thursday, June 25, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO GRADUATES AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVERS OF THE 12TH CONGRESSIONAL 
                                DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 24, 1998

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask you and 
my colleagues to join me in congratulating special graduates of the 
12th Congressional District of New York. I am certain that this day 
marks the culmination of much effort and hard work which has led and 
will lead them to continued success. In these times of uncertainty, 
limited resources, and random violence in our communities and schools, 
it is encouraging to know that they have overcome these obstacles and 
succeeded.
  These students have learned that education is priceless. They 
understand that education is the tool to new opportunities and greater 
endeavors. Their success is not only a tribute to their strength but 
also to the support they have received from their parents and loved 
ones.
  In closing, I encourage all my colleagues to support the education of 
the youth of America. With a solid education, today's youth will be 
tomorrow's leaders. And as we approach the new millennium, it is our 
responsibility to pave the road for this great Nation's future. Members 
of the U.S. House of Representatives I ask you to join me in 
congratulating the following Academic Achievement Award Recipients:
  Rafael Feliciano and Shaquana Anderson--PS 16; Joseph Santos and 
Angeline Hidalgo--P.S. 18; Kristoffer Cortes and Christie Santana--P.S. 
19; Jose Oquendo and Cindy Rivas--P.S. 49; Myrna Adana and Angela 
Morales--I.S. 71; Imari Valentin and Gilbert Feliciano--P.S. 84; Andrew 
Malave and Gabriel Martinez--P.S. 147; Miriam Aponte and Amanda 
Rodriguez--P.S. 196; Desiree Cardona and Michael Curchar--P.S. 250; 
Ralph Wilson and Cheetara Little--P.S. 257; Valerio Aguilar and Hugo 
Rios--P.S. 380; Lauren Cruz and John Bigolski--I.S. 318; and Xiomara 
Adames and Jose Castro--J.H.S. 50.
  Vanessa Rodriguez and Victor Gavela--Beginning With Children School; 
Abner Aponte and Cesarina Lopez--Eastern District Senior Academy; 
Julian Blumberg and Jazlyn Duran--All Saints R.C. School; Jamie Inez 
Hemandez and Adam Valentin--Most Holy Trinity School; Lauren Teresa and 
Ana Castro--St. Nicholas R.C. School; Gwen Cruz and Desiree Ortiz--St. 
Peter & Paul R.C. School; Jackqueline Duran and Adrian Jimenez--
Transfiguration School.

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