[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 61 (Tuesday, May 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E790-E791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING PATRICIA McKEE OF WACO, TX

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2002

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, this evening, Tuesday, May 14, 2002, the 
people of Waco and Central Texas will gather to celebrate a 44-year 
association that has enriched the lives of people and improved the 
lives and futures of young men and women.
  Patricia McKee became a Camp Fire volunteer in 1958, when her 
daughter, was a Bluebird. Pat continued as a volunteer for twelve

[[Page E791]]

years, and then in 1970, became Executive Director of the Camp Fire 
USA's seven-county Tejas Council.
  What followed was thirty-two years of energetic service and 
determined leadership in her community. Pat began by conducting a 
community needs survey to find ways that Camp Fire could help. She 
established an after-school program that continues today and is now on 
seven campuses of the Waco Independent School District. Camp Fire has 
offered parenting education, conflict resolution seminars, nutritional 
courses and money management classes at three of the city's public 
housing developments. And, in 1977, the Camp Fire Activity Center 
opened to provide a safe place for children to go after school.
  Mr. Speaker, during her tenure, Pat McKee has established 
partnerships with more than forty community agencies to develop 
programs that help young people grow into productive, contributing 
members of society.
  She has been recognized with national Camp Fire USA awards for such 
innovative programs as Kids Care, Teen Leadership Waco, Teen Volunteers 
Center, Life Enrichment Programs and Campus Camp. Those remarkable 
achievements on behalf of others have not gone unnoticed elsewhere. 
Former Governor Ann Richards recognized Pat with the Yellow Rose of 
Texas Award. She is a recipient of the Community Builder Award from the 
Masonic Grand Lodge, and the Pathfinders Award from YWCA.
  Now, after forty-four years of service, Pat has retired to rest and 
travel with her husband, Goodson, although everyone who knows her is 
certain that she will be volunteering her time to some nonprofit 
organization very soon.
  Mr. Speaker, Pat McKee's life has defined service to others. While 
the Waco community is sad to see her retire, we are, at the same time, 
delighted for her. And, most importantly, we are all better people for 
having known her.

                          ____________________