[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 101 (Friday, July 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING CECILIA DUNBAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 24, 1998

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, my colleague, Mr. Costello, and I rise 
today to commend Mrs. Cecilia A. Dunbar, a distinguished student and 
leader in Marion, Illinois. She currently attends John A. Logan College 
in the 19th congressional district and is spearheading an effort to 
create a national day of recognition for higher education. We applaud 
and commend her efforts, and offer our support.
  Cecilia has been focusing her energy toward devoting a day of 
recognition to higher education. She has worked diligently to encourage 
non-traditional students of four-year and community colleges the 
importance of education. Cecilia has not only experienced the 
achievement of receiving a higher education, she has also been an 
inspiration for many non-traditional students to attend college. After 
confronting many personal hurdles, Cecilia realized that she needed to 
exceed her high school level education and go back to school. John A. 
Logan College recognized her potential and gave her the opportunity to 
enroll as a student. From being the first John A. Logan student trustee 
to be reelected to improving student life through various student 
organizations such as being President of Phi Theta Kappa, Cecilia has 
proven herself to be an excellent asset to John A. Logan College and 
the higher education community.
  As a result, Cecilia has been pushing for a national day of higher 
education recognition as a way to thank her colleagues, and her mentors 
at John A. Logan College as well as stress the importance of higher 
education to others who face unique circumstances such as herself. 
Cecilia's proclamation has been recognized by Illinois Governor Jim 
Edgar, and she is now in the process of having it recognized by 
additional governors through the National Governors Association. The 
first day of observance is September 16, 1998 which coincides with John 
A. Logan's birthday.
  Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor to meet this inspiring student, and 
it is a pleasure to have her recognized for her various achievements. 
Higher education is essential for our citizens, and having people such 
as Cecilia recognizing the urgency of this opportunity is refreshing. 
Please help us in commending Mrs. Cecilia Dunbar for her persistent 
efforts in recognizing the importance of higher education.

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