[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 97 (Monday, July 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO THE BETANCES CADETS FOR ITS FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY

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                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 20, 1998

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Betances 
Cadets, an invaluable Bronx institution, which celebrated its First 
Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, July 18, 1998.
  Six months ago, under the leadership of ``General'' Carlos Quintana 
and his staff, the Betances Cadets was established. The program takes 
kids off the street and prepares them for real-life experience through 
a military-style program. It gives them the opportunity to apply 
academic lessons as they experience real-life situations, bring real-
life lessons back to the classroom, become problem solvers, understand 
the need for responsibility, and develop leadership ability. Today, the 
program has 64 students and 9 staff members.
  Three cadets, Amanda Perez, Jose Barreto and Tanairis Noriega were 
recognized for academic achievement during the graduation.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of representing the 16th district 
of New York where the Betances Cadets is located and I am delighted by 
its early success. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
the Betances Cadets, to the staff and parents, and to the students, 
whose ambition and hard work will make this great institution a 
tremendous source of pride and success for years to come.

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