[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO KATHY ORTIZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
honor Kathy Ortiz of Pueblo, Colorado for the selfless act of courage 
she displayed on November 8, 2002. Kathy's quick actions, along with 
the efforts of other students from Centennial High School, helped Edith 
Lichtenberg to safety after flames engulfed her home.
   On November 8, 2002, billowing smoke one block from Centennial High 
School prompted a group of students--Prince Speights, Clint Albrecht, 
Nick Pino, Kathy Ortiz, Linus Trujillo, and Taylor Proctor--into 
action. Driving toward the smoke, the group quickly discovered the 
bushes and trees in 86-year-old Edith Lichtenberg's yard ablaze and 
used a cell phone to contact emergency dispatchers. The flames rapidly 
spread to the house and the group moved swiftly to make sure no one was 
in the home. With the fire engulfing the front of the house, the 
students jumped the locked fence around the backyard to warn anyone who 
might still be inside. Noticing the back door open and seeing Ms. 
Lichtenberg still inside, they caught her attention and guided her 
outside away from the flames. Kathy courageously assisted in getting 
Ms. Lichtenberg out of the house, and the group moved her to safety.
   The youths maintained their composure during a time of adversity and 
conducted themselves in a fashion that has brought honor to themselves, 
their families, their school, and the entire community of Pueblo. It is 
always heartening to see young Americans meet such an extraordinary 
circumstance successfully. Courage like theirs strengthens and protects 
our communities everyday.
   Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today and recognize the heroic 
efforts of Kathy Ortiz before this body of Congress and this nation. 
Kathy's quick actions, coupled with those of her fellow students, 
prevented a terrible fire from ending in great tragedy. Their selfless 
actions are an inspiration to us all, and it is an honor to represent 
such an outstanding group of Americans in this Congress.

                          ____________________