[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF NOE GUTIERREZ

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                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2003

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the perseverance 
of Noe Gutierrez, who has been chosen the National Adult Learner of the 
Year for 2003. The Shelbyville, Tennessee, resident has overcome many 
obstacles in his life while pursuing an education and a better way of 
life.
  The Council on Adult Basic Education chose Noe to receive the award 
because he epitomizes those who want to empower their lives through 
knowledge. Noe has not faltered in that pursuit.
  Twenty years ago Noe had to leave his native Guatemala to avoid being 
forced into fighting with a band of guerrilla soldiers who were engaged 
in a bloody civil war against the government. At just 12 years old, Noe 
said goodbye to his parents and eight siblings and migrated to the 
United States where he worked as a migrant farm worker until some Good 
Samaritans intervened on his behalf.
  Noe received his high school diploma through the Bedford County 
(Tennessee) Adult High School, a much more difficult task than simply 
attaining a General Educational Development certificate. Now Noe works 
at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Shelbyville, where he has been 
welcomed with open arms by the community.
  Noe is an inspiration for not only immigrants to the United States, 
but also to anyone who has had to overcome hardships in life. I 
congratulate Noe for his outstanding achievement and wish him and his 
family the best of luck in their future endeavors.

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