[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 8, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4953-S4954]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   TRIBUTE TO JOHN AND SARA BURCHARD

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Drs. 
John and Sara Burchard of Burlington, VT as this year's joint 
recipients of the Kids on the Block--Vermont ``Puppets' Choice Award.'' 
This award is conferred annually by Kids on the Block--Vermont, a 
theatrical troupe, part of a national organization, which performs with 
puppets to deliver messages of personal safety, diversity, and 
acceptance of disabilities. As honorees, John and Sara are acknowledged 
for their outstanding contributions to children and families statewide.
  Since their arrival in Vermont in 1970, John and Sara, both long-time 
professors of psychology at the University of Vermont, have worked 
tirelessly to improve children's care and families' strength. 
Describing their contributions as ``outstanding'' is an understatement. 
Professionally and personally, John and Sara have passionately 
dedicated themselves to making Vermont's communities better.
  John's academic and professional life has focused on children who 
suffer from emotional and behavioral problems, for whom he has helped 
develop new methods of care. One example of John's innovation is the 
``wrap-around'' approach, bringing care and services to the families, 
rather than relying on clinics. John also served on the Burlington 
School Commission and, during the late Richard Snelling's terms as 
Governor, as Commissioner of the Department of Social and 
Rehabilitation Services.
  Sara's specialty lies with children and adults with developmental 
disabilities. Sara was an important voice of

[[Page S4954]]

reason when she led efforts to enable Vermont to become the first state 
to close its institutions for the mentally retarded. Helping those with 
disabilities receive the care they need and deserve has been Sara's 
calling, and her efforts have been nationally recognized for 
excellence.
  As professors, John and Sara have taught and mentored generations of 
students who have become compassionate and effective leaders who work 
with and advocate for the developmentally disabled, children, and their 
families. Their influence extends will beyond their classrooms and 
their State, making people's lives healthier and more productive.
  Again, I wish Drs. John and Sara Burchard congratulations and my 
sincerest best wishes. Their tireless work is helping to make Vermont 
the kind of place that Vermonters are proud to call home.

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