[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 170 (Friday, November 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2376-E2377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF DONNA TERESA, THE 2003 ANNE RICHARDSON READING IS 
                   FUNDAMENTAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2003

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Donna Teresa, a 
compassionate and devoted member of the children's literacy community. 
In recognition of her activism, Ms. Teresa has been selected by Reading 
is Fundamental, as the Western representative for the ``2003 Anne 
Richardson Reading is Fundamental Volunteer of the Year.'' For over six 
years, Ms. Teresa has worked tirelessly to develop and improve literacy 
programs at Henry F. Kammann School. In this effort, she has truly 
embodied the spirit of volunteerism and empathy that is attributed to 
the distinguished few who receive this award.
  In her position as the school librarian, Ms. Teresa has restored the 
wonder and excitement that reading can provide to our Nation's

[[Page E2377]]

children. She understands the value of literacy and has implemented 
many new programs to encourage reading, including a summer program that 
gives each a child a free book. Ms. Teresa has expressed her concern 
that for many of her students, books are scarce at home and the break 
from school puts many students behind their peers. This type of 
understanding and consideration of a student's living situation has 
allowed Ms. Teresa to reach out to each child and cater to their 
interests and needs. She also manages a student book club with more 
than 60 students and personally acquaints herself with each new text 
before giving it to a child to ensure that it is appropriate for their 
reading level and interests. Ms. Teresa derives her inspiration from 
the hope that her push towards literacy will encourage students to 
continue their education and make better choices down the line. Her 
efforts have also been recognized in Monterey County, where she was 
recently awarded the ``2003 Monterey County Lighthouse for Literacy.''
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to 
honor the accomplishments of Donna Teresa and express sincere gratitude 
for her commitment to our community's children. I wish Ms. Teresa much 
success in her endeavors and I am confident that the efforts of those 
who strive to improve literacy will be valued for many generations to 
come.

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