[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 146 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MRS. CARMEN VEGA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 16, 2003

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the achievements of 
Mrs. Carmen Vega, a paradigm of expertise in social work and education. 
Assistant Principal to the Long Branch High School and Middle School, 
Mrs. Vega has demonstrated outstanding versatility in various roles of 
leadership and mentorship. She proves an honorable recipient of the 
Latino American Committee of Monmouth County Annual Award, not solely 
for her work in the Long Branch public school network, but for numerous 
other experiences in helping the counties of Monmouth and Ocean excel 
as dynamic and thriving communities.
  A native of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Mrs. Vega was raised in Long 
Branch, where she earned a Master's degree in Latino bilingual/bi-
cultural issues from Rutgers University. More recently, she completed a 
Masters of Arts in Urban Education, also from Rutgers University. Her 
academic accolades provided her the honor as a licensed clinical social 
worker in the State of New Jersey.
  Mrs. Vega's experience in advocacy and counseling, coupled with the 
framework of the Monmouth County Division of Social Services under 
which she worked, provided her with the skills to transform the 
outlooks and goals of many psychiatric patients. She was an engaging 
coordinator of a pre-discharge transitional program at Marlboro 
Psychiatric Hospital in Monmouth County, as well as a counselor to 
individuals and families throughout Ocean County. Mrs. Vega never 
forgot the importance of helping the psychiatrically handicapped, 
giving importance to their families and their friends as well. With a 
diverse background such as this, it is no wonder that in 1997, the 
Monmouth County Urban League honored Mrs. Vega with the Individual 
Equal Opportunity Award.
  Once again, Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Mrs. Vega for her 
dedication to the Monmouth and Ocean county communities. She 
exemplifies the ideals and aspirations of many dedicated and charitable 
citizens, as well as youth across all cultures. I ask that my 
colleagues rise and join me in honoring the distinguished Mrs. Carmen 
Vega.

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