[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 88 (Thursday, June 27, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 LEHIGH VALLEY HERO--STEPHANIE McKENNA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. TOOMEY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2002

  Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to share my Report from 
Pennsylvania for my colleagues and the American people.
  All across Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District there are some 
amazing people who do good things to make our communities a better 
place. These are individuals of all ages who truly make a difference 
and help others.
  I like to call these individuals Lehigh Valley Heroes for their good 
deeds and efforts.
  Today, I would like to recognize Bethlehem resident Stephanie McKenna 
as a Lehigh Valley Hero. She is working hard to make a difference in 
her community.
  Stephanie, a single mother of three and guardian of two others had 
always thought of ways to spend more time with her children. A year 
ago, she quit her high powered Manhattan job to put in motion the idea 
she had for a way to be more in touch with her children while helping 
other children in the community. This idea was called Teen Destiny, a 
one-year residential program for teenage boys who are troubled, but 
haven't yet crossed into the juvenile detention system.
  This program, which could start as early as September is run by a 
seven-member board of directors and has a $1.2 million agreement of 
sale for a 189-acre farm in Upper Mount Bethel Township.
  This working farm would be the temporary home for teenage boys. After 
school and on weekends, the boys would learn to cook, clean and do 
laundry through the 4-H, and try their hand at farming. Stephanie hopes 
that by taking the teenagers into a new environment, giving them close 
supervision and lots of attention, she and a staff of professional 
counselors and tutors can turn the teenagers around before they succumb 
to alcohol, drugs or gangs.
  Stephanie McKenna is selflessly working to make a difference in the 
lives of many teenage boys in need of direction, and therefore she is a 
Lehigh Valley Hero in my book.
  Mr. Speaker, this concludes my Report from Pennsylvania.

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