[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO GERALDINE ``GERRY'' SCHNEIDER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 1999

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to 
congratulate Geraldine ``Gerry'' Schneider on completing her general 
educational development certificate at Lewis and Clark Community 
College on June 10, 1999, at age 58. Ms. Schneider was born with 
cerebral palsy.
  Despite this disability, Ms. Schneider diligently worked to learn the 
three R's. Her work at Lewis and Clark Community College that began in 
1994, has allowed her to become actively engaged in issues on 
disabilities as a resident of Godfrey, Illinois. She was appointed to 
the Illinois Planning Council on Development by former Governor Jim 
Edgar, and has moved out of nursing and group homes to live with a 
companion Raymond Boyle since her educational progress.
  Her success can also be attributed to Support Systems Services; a 
nonprofit organization that provided the funds allowing Gerry to pay 
for her classes. I believe this is an excellent example of local 
service organizations caring about people, and helping dreams become 
realities. I commend both Geraldine Schneider and Support Systems Inc. 
for their efforts.
  I want to congratulate Gerry, in particular, for receiving her hard-
earned and much deserved GED. Her personal efforts to persevere and 
overcome adversity are an inspiration to us all.

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