[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 143 (Tuesday, October 14, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            JENNIFER JACQUES

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the achievements 
of an outstanding young woman. On October 8, 2003, Jennifer Jacques of 
Chelsea, VT, received an award from the Vision, Strength and Artistic 
Expression Arts Program's national contest for students with 
disabilities: Roadtrip: A Journey of Discovery. National recognition 
alone is deserving of applause and praise, but Jennifer's represents a 
very special and unique achievement that reaches far beyond her 
accomplishments in art.
  Born with severe cerebral palsy, Jennifer is confined to her 
wheelchair. Able to control only her head and neck, she controls her 
wheelchair and computer, as well as her communication device, through a 
switch placed under her chin. A bright young woman of 18, Jennifer 
attends public school in Chelsea, where she is enrolled in classes with 
her peers.
  Jennifer's art is not only a reflection of her talents, but also of 
her great ability to overcome the disabilities that have faced her. 
Working with her teachers and instructors, Jennifer directed the 
placement of paint on paper placed on the floor. By repeatedly driving 
her wheelchair over the paint, she was able to create textured 
paintings with striking color and design. Jennifer recently sold all of 
her abstract pieces that were displayed at an art show in Montpelier.
  These accomplishments are a tribute to this exceptional young woman, 
her family and friends, her educators and instructors. Jennifer Jacques 
embodies what Vermont has done, what it can do, and what the future 
holds.

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