[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 54 (Thursday, April 26, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S3988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING CADET CHIEF PETTY OFFICER THEA I. PECK AS NAVAL SEA CADET 
                        CORPS CADET OF THE YEAR

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I would like to extend my most 
sincere congratulations to Cadet Chief Petty Officer Thea I. Peck. On 
April 28, 2001, she will be awarded the Willis E. Reed Cadet of the 
Year Award, which recognizes the Naval Sea Cadet who has excelled in 
all areas of Naval Sea Cadet Corps, NSCC, training. She was initially 
selected as Mid-Atlantic Cadet of the Year for 2000 out of six states 
including Pennsylvania, which then lead to her selection as the 
program-wide Cadet of the Year. This recognition is outstanding as it 
exemplifies Cadet CPO Peck's leadership, maturity, dedication, and 
patriotism.
  The NSCC was established in 1958 in part of the Department of the 
Navy to develop an appreciation for the United States' naval history, 
customs, traditions, and its significant role in national defense. Its 
purpose is also to develop patriotism, confidence, and pride in our 
nation's youth and help them to develop strong moral character and good 
citizenship. It also gives participants a real-life look at military 
opportunities.
  Cadet CPO Peck has been a member of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps Program 
for over five years. She has completed several training courses over 
her tenure in the program including time spent at the Foreign Exchange 
Program with the United Kingdom and Medical Staff Training at Bethesda 
Naval Hospital. In all of her training periods, Cadet CPO Peck earned 
the highest performance marks illustrating her dedication to the 
program and the United States Navy.
  In addition to excelling in the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Cadet CPO Peck 
is an impeccable student. With a high school grade point average of 
3.95, and as a student in all advanced classes, she has mastered time 
management and the ability to balance academics and outside activities. 
She has received a number of achievements for her work in various 
science fairs, and she is also an outstanding athlete, lettering in 
indoor track, swimming, lacrosse and soccer.
  Cadet CPO Peck is a superior, well-rounded young adult who has chosen 
to take advantage of all that life has to offer. As a member of the 
Senate Armed Services Committee, I am grateful to Cadet CPO Peck for 
her dedication to the United States Navy through the Naval Sea Cadet 
Corps. With so many opportunities ahead after high school, I am 
confident that whichever avenue she chooses to pursue, she will bring 
great energy and leadership to it.
  I ask my Senate colleagues to join with me in congratulating this 
fine young leader as she is recognized as the 2001 NSCC Cadet of the 
Year and recipient of the Willis E. Reed Award.

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