[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 4 (Thursday, January 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E7]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E7]]



                   TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 27, 2000

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr., and reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of 
the challenges that democracy poses to us and the delicacy of liberty. 
Dr. King's life, and, unfortunately, his untimely death, remind us that 
we must continually work and, if necessary, fight to secure and protect 
our freedoms. Dr. King, in his courage to act, his willingness to meet 
challenges, and his ability to achieve, embodied all that is good and 
true in the battle for liberty.
  The spirit of Dr. King lives on in the citizens of communities 
throughout our nation. It lives on in the people whose actions reflect 
the spirit of resolve and achievement that will help move our country 
into the future. In particular, several distinguished individuals from 
Indiana's First Congressional District were recognized during the 21st 
Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Monday, 
January 17, 2000, at the Genesis Center in Gary, Indiana. In the past 
year, these individuals have, in their own ways, acted with courage, 
met challenges, and used their abilities to reach goals and enhance 
their communities.
  I would like to recognize Tolleston Junior High School students: 
Kenneth Alford; Antoinette Correa; William Gonzalez; Brian Henderson; 
Carl Johnson; LaTasha LeFlore; Brannon Smith; Whitney Sullivan; Amanda 
Bouleware; Tiffany Finch; Kyle Hargrove; Floyd Hobson; Breon Jones; 
Ekene Onwuka; Mason Smith; Montreca Walker; and Andrew Binder. These 
students are members of the Tolleston Junior High School Spell Bowl 
Team, which won its sixth consecutive State Spell Bowl Championship. 
The team's success is also a credit to the outstanding ability and 
leadership of its teachers. In particular, Margaret Hymes and Janice 
Williams should be commended for the devotion they have demonstrated as 
coaches for the Tolleston Junior High Spell Bowl Team. Additionally, 
Tolleston Principal Lucille Upshaw and Dr. Mary Guinn, Gary 
Superintendent of Schools, should be recognized for their support. The 
accomplishments of these outstanding individuals are a reflection of 
their hard work and dedication to scholarship. Their scholastic effort 
and rigorous approach to learning have made them the best in the state. 
They have also brought pride to themselves, their families, their 
school and their communities. For this great achievement, they will be 
honored with the 2000 ``Marcher's Award''.
  Though very different in nature, the achievement of all these 
individuals reflect many of the same attributes that Dr. King 
possessed, as well as the values he advocated. Like Dr. King, these 
individuals saw challenges and rose to the occasion. They set goals and 
worked to achieve them. Mr. Speaker, I urge you and our other 
colleagues to join me in commending their initiative, determination and 
dedication.

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