[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 43 (Thursday, March 18, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H1450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PRAISE TO STUDENTS FROM COVENANT CHRISTIAN AND CLINTON HIGH SCHOOLS 
               FOLLOWING AFTERMATH OF AMTRAK TRAIN CRASH

  (Mr. SHOWS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SHOWS. Mr. Speaker, today I stand before the American people and 
my colleagues to comment on the fatal Amtrak train crash that occurred 
earlier this week. I am saddened this terrible tragedy took place. In 
their slumber, over late night snacks and conversations, fellow 
Americans aboard Amtrak's City of New Orleans were jolted into a 
reality of death and injury.
  Today we mourn with our fellow Americans. In particular, I pause to 
offer condolences to fellow Mississippians who suffered losses in this 
crash. We pause to give thanks for life while seeking to understand why 
bad things happen. The American family stands with all those who have 
suffered.
  Out of the tragedy came several stories of heroism. We can find the 
strength and endurance of the American spirit in many of the passengers 
who worked to protect and save the lives of others during this crash. I 
want to tell my colleagues about students from Mississippi who were on 
this train.
  Young Mississippians from Covenant Christian School and Clinton High 
School were returning from a spring break trip. Out of the chaos and 
heartbreak, these Mississippi teenagers went to work securing the 
safety and well-being of fellow passengers. These students were 
courageous, caring, heroic, and brave.
  I want all Americans to know about these teenagers from Clinton High 
School and Covenant Christian School. Why? Because we can all stand a 
little taller and feel a little better about our Nation and our future.
  Mr. Speaker, I provide the names of these students for inclusion in 
the Record.
       List of Students: Danielle Bell, Drew Bilbo, Chris Carter, 
     Suzanne Cole, Emily Diffenderfer, Tim Farrar, Michael 
     Freeman, Anna Fulgham, Stephanie Ly, Jeff Sartor, Shadia 
     Slaieh, Jessica Switzer, Anshika Singh, Caleb McNair, Melissa 
     Watson, and Christina Bomgaars.
       Chaperones: Delores Bell, John Farrar, and Phyllis Hurley.

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