[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING STACEY LEE BAKER, MICHELLE LEE BAKER AND TAMARA 
                              KARAKASHIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 9, 1999

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Stacey Lee 
Baker, Michelle Lee Baker and Tamara Karakashian for being chosen to be 
presented to the Archbishop of the Western Diocese of the Armenian 
Church of North America, at the 28th annual Debutante Ball. To be 
chosen, these young women must be active members of their community and 
church.
  Stacey Lee Baker, age 19, of Fresno, has taught the pre-kindergarten 
Sunday School class at St. Paul Armenian Church, for three years, and 
is actively involved in the Armenian Christian Youth Organization 
(ACYO) as Assistant Treasurer, and previously as Secretary. In 1991, 
she was ordained an acolyte by Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian. She 
attended the Diocesan Armenian Camp from 1990 to 1992. Locally, she has 
volunteered at the Poverello House, a local homeless shelter. A 1997 
graduate of Bullard High School, Stacey is currently attending Fresno 
City College where she majors in nursing.
  Michelle Lee Baker, age 18, Stacey's sister, has taught the pre-
kindergarten Sunday School class for two years. Michelle is currently 
the Corresponding Secretary of the ACYO. She also attended the Armenian 
Camp for two years. In keeping with family tradition, she has 
volunteered at the Poverello House. Michelle is a senior at Bullard 
High School where she maintains a 3.8 grade point average and is a 
lifetime member of the California Scholarship Federation. She is an 
Algebra Lab Assistant and is currently a member of the Math Club and 
the Junior Larks. Upon graduation, she plans to attend the California 
State University Fresno, where she will major in accounting.
  Tamara Karakashian, age 19, of Visalia, is an active member of the 
St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Yettem, where she was a choir 
member and served as the Easter Luncheon Committee Chair for four 
years. She was the Chair person of the ACYO, Recording Secretary, and 
General Assembly Delegate. Tamara has participated in the Armenian Camp 
for eight years as camper, counselor and Arts and Crafts Coordinator. 
In her local community, Tamara has been involved in DARE and served as 
an assistant for the Visalia Police Department Golf Tournament. Tamara 
participated with Visalians for Sober Graduation both as student 
representative and board member.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Stacey and 
Michelle Lee Baker and Tamara Karakashian on their presentation. Their 
accomplishments and service are beneficial not only to their churches 
and communities, but to their own growth as mature, contributing 
adults. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating these young 
women, and wishing them a bright future and much continued success.

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