[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 5 (Monday, January 31, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E31]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING ERIN BREEZE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 31, 2000

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Erin 
Breeze, one of my constituents from Nederland, Colorado who was one of 
twelve Americans selected as an inaugural George J. Mitchell Scholar.
  Erin was selected from more than 250 applicants in a nationwide 
competition to pursue one year of post-graduate study at a university 
in Ireland or Northern Ireland. The scholarship is named in honor of 
former Senator George Mitchell's contribution to the Northern Ireland 
peace process and is awarded to individuals who have shown academic 
distinction, commitment to service and potential for leadership. 
Indeed, Erin has rose to the occasion. Erin will graduate in May with a 
degree in International Affairs from the University of Colorado. She is 
a Dean's Scholar, recipient of a service learning scholarship and 
member of numerous honor societies.
  Erin spent a year as a volunteer for AmeriCorps, where she completed 
1800 hours of service in the areas of education, environment, and 
public safety. While tutoring first and second grade students in San 
Diego, CA, Erin also assisted the school district in assessing the 
needs and conditions of primary and secondary schools. Additionally, 
after becoming a certified wildland firefighter, she helped develop a 
community education project with the Flagstaff Fire Department in 
Flagstaff, AZ and provided disaster relief to residents in Lama, NM 
following a forest fire.
  As an intern for the Youth Volunteer Corps in Santa Rosa, CA, Erin 
designed an educational seminar to teach seventh grade students about 
the subject of child labor. She then led a group of students through 
the organization and completion of a school supplies drive for their 
peers in the Philippines. Recently, Erin returned from Geneva, 
Switzerland where she was an intern at the International Peace Bureau 
and The Hague Appeal for Peace.
  As a George J. Mitchell Scholar, Erin will be enrolled at the 
University of Limerick for a master's degree in Peace and Development 
Studies. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in which she can 
facilitate collaborative approaches to peacebuilding.
  Mr. Speaker, for the past year we have heard so much about how our 
young people are being led astray and turning to violence. However, 
from my visits with young people in my district, I have seen how they 
are showing great promise for our nation's future. Erin Breeze is one 
of those promising individuals who is making a difference both in her 
local community and the global community. Because of her unswerving 
dedication and talent, I have no doubt that Erin will be a future world 
leader for peace.

                          ____________________