[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 45 (Monday, April 22, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S3013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SHARON DARLING

 Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Sharon 
Darling, the founder and president of the National Center for Family 
Literacy, in Louisville, KY. Sharon is a recipient of the 2001 National 
Humanities Medal and I want to offer my congratulations to her on this 
tremendous honor.
  Sharon Darling is a devoted civic leader and a longtime advocate of 
family literacy. Through hands on experience as an elementary school 
teacher and an adult reading mentor, Sharon developed an education 
program that stresses the importance of early childhood education, 
adult literacy education, and parental involvement in the learning 
process. In 1989, she used her revolutionary program as a foundation 
for establishing the National Center for Family Literacy. Under 
Sharon's leadership the NCFL has grown into a widely respected national 
organization that promotes family literacy. Today the NCFL has more 
than 3,000 literacy programs throughout America.
  The National Humanities Medal honors individuals whose work has 
contributed to their community by broadening citizens' access to the 
humanities. Given the years of service Sharon has dedicated to helping 
families read, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor. 
Whether helping them to enjoy classic literature or simply understand 
written instructions, Sharon's work has improved the lives of countless 
Americans.
  Sharon's commitment to public service does not end with the National 
Center for Family Literacy. She also actively serves with a number of 
important national and international organizations such as the 
International Women's Forum, Barbara Bush Foundation for Family 
Literacy, National Coalition for Literacy, the American Indian 
Education Foundation, and the Heart of America Foundation.
  Sharon, my colleagues, and I, join in congratulating you on your fine 
achievements. We also thank you for the time and effort you have put 
into the lives of others. I know the people of Kentucky and this great 
nation will continue to benefit from your contributions for many years 
to come.

                          ____________________