[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING WANDA LITTLE ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 12, 2003

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System and 
the New Haven community in honoring one of our most active and 
distinguished community members, Wanda Lee Little, on the occasion of 
her retirement after thirty-two years of dedicated service.
  Throughout her lifetime, Wanda has dedicated herself to enriching the 
lives of young people. Through her efforts to develop working social 
programs and her work with several service organizations, she has 
changed the face of our community. Wanda's endless contributions to the 
Greater New Haven area have made a real difference--improving the 
quality of life for hundreds of children and their families.
  Over her thirty-two year career with the UCONN Cooperative Extension 
System, Wanda was responsible for the initiation of several youth 
development programs as well as the successful application for several 
grants from the United States Department of Agriculture. Her 
outstanding leadership and good work has provided numerous 
opportunities to the city of New Haven and its residents.
  By adapting the USDA's SuperSnackers Program to include youth and 
workforce development into the program, Wanda created a youth focused 
model in which young people are trained in a basic nutrition curriculum 
and then team teach in summer camp settings throughout New Haven. 
Through the 4-H Summer Nutrition Education Program, Wanda served as an 
educator and mentor for hundreds of children--often offering these 
young people their first job experience. The lessons and skills these 
young people brought away from this program have proven to be an 
invaluable asset as they continue in their academic and professional 
careers.
  Wanda's dedication to our community extends far beyond her 
professional career. A founding member of the City Wide Youth Coalition 
of New Haven, Inc., a past member of the Board of Directors for the 
Special Olympics Committee, and host family for Guilford, Connecticut's 
A Better Chance Program, her unwavering commitment to serving the 
community has empowered women, families, and young people to improve 
themselves and their lives. Her generosity and compassion is truly 
unmatched.
  Wanda's innumerable contributions and her strong message have left an 
indelible mark on our community. I am pleased to rise today to join her 
husband, Horace, their children, grandchildren, family, friends, and 
colleagues in extending my sincere congratulations and very best wishes 
to Wanda Lee Little as she celebrates her retirement from a lifetime of 
good work. My sincere congratulations and very best wishes for 
continued health and happiness.

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