[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 85 (Thursday, June 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1150-E1151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING MICHAEL JOSEPH BOWLER OF CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY A. CONDIT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 2000

  Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, today I call attention to the extraordinary 
work of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America and to an 
exceptional individual from my state of California--Mr. Michael Joseph 
Bowler, winner of

[[Page E1151]]

the 2000 Caring Hands Gold Award as the National Big Brother of the 
year.
  Mike has served our community and the Catholic Big Brothers for more 
than 17 years--providing leadership and mentoring services to dozens of 
youths in the greater Los Angeles area.
  Mike is dedicated to community service. He is a high school teacher 
and full time volunteer at a variety of youth centers and detention 
facilities. His accessibility, guidance, and commitment have helped 
many at risk young people see that others do in fact care.
  Mike has accomplished much in his career as a Big Brother. He did so 
despite being born with a severe hearing impairment which resulted in a 
childhood full of loneliness.
  He is a great example for all of us--representing the best in 
overcoming personal challenges and in giving to others.
  Please join me in recognizing America's Big Brother of the year 
Michael Joseph Bowler.

                          ____________________