[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E810]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO BARBARA MURPHY AND THE EIGHTH GRADE GIFTED STUDENTS OF STONE 
                             MIDDLE SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2003

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of 8th 
Grade students in my Congressional District who have been in Ms. 
Barbara Murphy's gifted class at Stone Middle School in Huntsville, 
Alabama since the 6th Grade. These outstanding girls and boys have 
written a book they aptly named ``Reality Street''.
  The students have compiled their thoughts on various subjects that 
include their school, neighborhoods, families, conflicts and 
challenges. Stone Middle school is a Title I school, and these students 
hope to show people through their book that truly no child will be left 
behind in any community across the United States. The stories these 
students tell are powerful and eye opening and are an excellent insight 
into their community. Everyone can find inspiration in this book, 
including author Homer Hickam who wrote the Foreword and John L. 
Stallworth who contributed the Introduction.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with you an excerpt from a poem 
written by one of the students:

     ``My memories run deep like the sea,
     From some of them I want to flee.
     But deep in my heart, I truly know
     That in the end they all help me to grow.''
  These kinds of children, ones who decide to grow and learn from every 
level of their experiences, form the future leaders of our great 
country. These young folks are to be commended. On behalf of the people 
of North Alabama and the U.S. House of Representatives, I send them 
each my best wishes and hopes for a very bright future.

                          ____________________