[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 65 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE 25TH ANNUAL JOSE MARTI STUDENT AID FUND AWARD DINNER

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 20, 2002

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25th annual Jose 
Marti Student Aid Fund Award Dinner, which was held on May 18, 2002, at 
the Radisson Hotel in Secaucus, NJ. Two important individuals were 
honored at this event, Carmen Pardo and Clara Garcia, for their many 
years of dedicated service to the Jose Marti Student Aid Fund.
  In 1975, Mrs. Carmen Pardo and Mrs. Clara Garcia began recognizing 
students who excelled in the study of the Spanish language. In 1978, 
the resulting scholarship fund was legally registered as a nonprofit 
organization. Today, it is a scholarship for high school students 
graduating from Union Hill, Emerson, and Memorial High Schools, which 
promotes the understanding and appreciation of the Spanish language, 
heritage, and culture.
  Thanks to charitable contributions, and various civic and social 
activities organized by the institution, the Jose Marti Scholarship 
Fund has awarded over $120,000 in scholarships. Over two hundred 
outstanding students have been honored.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Jose Marti 
Student Aid Fund Award for its positive influence and the important 
role it plays in celebrating our Nation's Hispanic heritage.

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