[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING DORTA SCOTT FOR HER CONTRIBUTION TO THE ARKANSAS STATE COIN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an exceptional 
artist from Arkansas's Fourth Congressional District, Ms. Dortha Scott 
of Mount Ida. Out of more than 9,300 entries, Ms. Scott's outstanding 
sketch has been selected to be used by the U.S. Mint for the Arkansas 
Quarter. The U.S. Mint will produce the Quarter for 10 weeks, and 
between 650-750 million quarters will be put into circulation across 
the United States.
  Our Quarter incorporates several elements that truly reflect 
Arkansas. This is a coin that helps everyone in our nation understand 
why Arkansas is so proudly called ``The Natural State.'' The background 
of the Quarter represents the abundance of natural resources that our 
state encompasses. Elements of the Quarter, including a mallard duck 
soaring above the water with trees in the background, symbolizes 
Arkansas's reputation as one of the most popular states in the country 
for hunting and fishing, and as a state with a high-abundance of forest 
land. The rice on the left side of the Quarter signifies the important 
role rice and other agricultural crops play in Arkansas's economy, as 
agriculture has historically been a way of life for so many working 
families. Arkansas leads the country in rice production.
  The centerpiece of the Quarter is a diamond, representing the Crater 
of Diamonds State Park near Murfreesboro. The Crater of Diamonds State 
Park is not only home to the largest diamond ever to be unearthed in 
the United States, but is also the eighth largest diamond deposit in 
the world, and the only diamond mine in the world where the public can 
search for diamonds. The Crater of Diamonds State Park is a leading 
source for Arkansas pride and tourism.
  I am honored that the Arkansas Quarter is one that truly showcases 
the state and all it has to offer. I hope that everyone will take time 
to reflect upon Arkansas's treasures and history, and join us in 
celebrating our new state coin. I am so pleased to have the opportunity 
to properly recognize Ms. Dortha Scott before the United States 
Congress for her beautiful artwork that truly depicts our great state, 
which will be viewed by millions of Americans as they earn and spend 
the Arkansas Quarter.

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