[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 15, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S4937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               TRIBUTE TO JOHN AND MARY JANE STOKESBERRY

 Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I am pleased to have this 
opportunity to recognize the exemplary contributions of an 
extraordinary couple, John and Mary Jane Stokesberry of Miami, FL. 
Given John's significant impact on public policy development and 
implementation in the areas of gerontology and aging and Mary Jane's 
passion for teaching those with special educational needs, I know their 
joint retirement on June 30, 2001 will leave a void which will be 
difficult to fill.
  John L. Stokesberry has to his credit over 30 years of administrative 
leadership in human service delivery in Florida. In his most recent 
public role, John has served as the Executive Director of the Alliance 
for Aging, Inc., the Area Agency on Aging for Miami-Dade and Monroe 
Counties in Florida. Through his compassionate and adept oversight, 
many seniors and developmentally challenged individuals have been 
provided the benefit of quality care and the timely provision of 
services.
  Florida has long been a favored retirement destination for seniors 
who have worked hard throughout their lives. They are more than 
deserving of living out their days in dignity and with whatever comfort 
and respect we are able to provide. Consequently, in Florida, 
increasing attention and focus is being placed on aging issues. John L. 
Stokesberry's contributions in helping to chart Florida's course in 
this relatively new frontier have been pivotal. We have benefitted from 
his remarkable expertise, coalition building and advocacy for over 
three decades. Whether at the district or state administrative levels, 
his leadership has always been felt and has enhanced the mission of our 
state in meeting the needs of our seniors.
  Mary Jane Stokesberry has worked at the Van E. Blanton Elementary 
School for 39 years and currently serves as the Chair of the Special 
Education Department. While instructing young people who have special 
needs can present unique challenges, Mary Jane's genuine warmth and 
patience has consistently led to the most positive development of her 
students. It came as no surprise when she was formerly designated as a 
Regional Teacher of the Year. Though many of her former students are 
now adults, I am sure they would agree that Mary Jane has left an 
indelible mark on their lives. Through her exceptional legacy, I am 
reminded of the proverb, ``if you give a child a fish you feed them for 
a day; if you teach a child how to fish, you feed them for a 
lifetime.'' Mary Jane has fed countless children for a lifetime.
  For these reasons, I am proud to join the chorus of other voices in 
Florida and Miami-Dade County who extend to John and Mary Jane 
Stokesberry best wishes on the occasion of their retirements. I 
congratulate them today and wish for them many more productive and 
healthy years.

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