[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 4, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S7275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING ESTELLA REYES NARANJO

  Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, there are two things I want to address 
very briefly this morning.
  I rise to pay tribute to Estella Reyes Naranjo, a great citizen of my 
State of Texas.
  I think it is important to recognize contributions such as those of 
Estella, which are primarily in the area of the education of the 
children of San Antonio, my hometown, and her 50 years of unselfish 
service to the city of San Antonio, the State of Texas, and to the 
United States of America.
  Estella has taught for 40 years in Texas public schools and for 
another 10 years in Catholic schools. Through her dedicated service in 
the classroom and the community, she has been a positive influence for 
countless lives, and for thousands of young Texans.
  Estella earned a bachelor's degree from Texas A&I University in 
Kingsville and has served as the president of the Pan American League. 
During her tenure, the league donated more than $1 million toward a 
center to assist San Antonio's inner city, and contributed over 
$250,000 in scholarships administered through The University of Texas 
at San Antonio.
  Estella has been honored with an outstanding service award for her 
dedication and hard work in the public school system, and has received 
a leadership award for her many contributions to the Catholic school 
system. She has also been honored by the International Good Neighbor 
Council for her work to promote the ``Principles of Good-
neighborliness'' between Mexico and the United States.
  As a teacher, a volunteer, and a diligent leader, Estella is an 
inspiration to her family, her friends, and her community. She is truly 
an important part of what President Bush calls ``the armies of 
compassion.''
  I have always believed that patriotism is not just expressed by 
flying the flag. It is about more than that. Patriotism means we all 
share a part in something larger than ourselves. In all of our 
differences, there are some things we all have in common. In all our 
diversity, each of us still has a bond with our fellow man.
  The fact that dedicated individuals, working faithfully in their 
communities, can accomplish more than any government program is well 
established, and it is established again in the life that we celebrate 
today.
  Alexis de Tocqueville described it this way:

       Countless little people, humble people, throughout American 
     society, expend their efforts in the betterment of the 
     community, blowing on their hands, pitting their small 
     strength against the inhuman elements of life. Unheralded and 
     always inconspicuous, they sense that they are cooperating 
     with a purpose and a spirit that is at the center of 
     creation.

  Today I am proud to herald the work of Estella Reyes Naranjo. I know 
I speak for all the citizens of the great State of Texas when I say 
that I am grateful for her dedication, her compassion, and her tireless 
work to build a stronger community and a better world.

                          ____________________