[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 15, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9401-S9402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]







                     TRIBUTE TO ANNE MARIE PEDERSON



 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I pay tribute to one of Kentucky's 

most benevolent humanitarians. Ann Marie Pederson, a graduate student 

at the University of Louisville, volunteers in the English-as-a-second-

language, ESL, program through Kentucky Refugee Ministries. Through 

this program, Anne Marie works with refugees from over 25 different 

nationalities and ethnic groups throughout Kentucky.

  Kentucky Refugee Ministries is a refugee resettlement office for the 

Episcopal Migration Ministries and Church World Service. The 

organization assists refugees legally admitted to the United States as 

victims of persecution for religious or political belief. Anne Marie





[[Page S9402]]



became involved with Kentucky Refugee Ministries after volunteering 

with a similar program in Jordan in 2000. Anne Marie, a rhetorician and 

composition graduate student at the University of Louisville, also 

obtained a master's degree in creative writing from George Mason 

University. Remarkably, English is her only language.

  In one of her assignments, Anne Marie assisted a Bosnian family in 

accomplishing basic daily activities like shopping, driving, and 

setting up bank accounts. She also taught English conversation skills 

to two sisters from a Congolese refugee camp. Anne Marie is a mentor to 

refugee children from Kosovo, Mexico, and Jordan, serving as both a 

friend and a teacher.

  Her generosity and kindness has improved the lives of refugees in 

countless ways. Her patience, instruction, and friendship is an example 

for us all. Anne Marie Pederson is an exemplar of charity and a tribute 

to Kentucky. I thank the Senator for allowing me to recognize Anne 

Marie Pederson and voice her praises. She is Kentucky at its 

best.



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