[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S12241]]
                   MISS MICHIGAN SHANNON GRACE CLARK

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Shannon 
Grace Clark, who was crowned as Miss Michigan USA 1999 on Sunday, May 
24, 1998.
  I am very proud to have her represent the State of Michigan, for 
Shannon is a shining example of service above self. Through her 
dedication to family, church and local community, she has made a 
tremendous impact on helping those who are less fortunate in society, 
enabling them opportunities of self-sufficiency.
  Her role has enabled her many opportunities, however, Shannon has 
shared them with homeless women and children throughout the State of 
Michigan. She has tirelessly dedicated herself to directly assisting 
those in need and to heightening public awareness to the importance of 
helping people facing unfortunate circumstances.
  Shannon's platform ``People Helping People,'' comes to her naturally 
because she comes from a family dedicated to the importance of family, 
church and local community. Her parents, the Reverend and Dr. Pam Clark 
run the Pontiac Rescue Mission, a homeless and rehabilitation center in 
Pontiac, Michigan, which helps reclaim and rehabilitate the downtrodden 
of society.
  Through the program, Reverend and Doctor Clark designed and 
implemented, many individuals have reclaimed their lives, strength, 
pride, character, their children and themselves. They have developed 
into productive members of society, and loving families, free from the 
chains of addiction and destructive lifestyles.
  To build upon the accomplishments of her parents, she has formed a 
committee to raise additional financial support for the women and 
children program at the Pontiac Rescue Mission. Her efforts indeed are 
a fine model of leadership and selfless dedication that will help those 
in need as well as serving as an example for those to follow.
  I want to express my congratulations to Shannon Grace Clark and wish 
her luck in the Miss USA pageant in February. Most importantly, I would 
like to thank her for her commitment to those who are less fortunate in 
society.

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