[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E33]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DIANA POULTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2004

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an 
individual who has been a tireless supporter of education in my 
congressional district. My congressional district has been fortunate to 
have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and 
unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a 
better place to live. Diana Poulton is one of these individuals.
  Over the last four years, Diana has been actively involved with the 
Science and Technology Education Partnership (STEP), a non-profit 
organization dedicated to inspiring students to pursue science and 
technology careers. As the Honorary Chairman of STEP, I have witnessed 
first-hand Diana's deep commitment and dedication to building a 
brighter future for students in the Inland Empire.
  The flagship program for STEP is the annual STEP Conference, which 
hosts thousands of 4th through 8th grade students at a fun-filled 
learning event dedicated to the exciting world of science and 
technology. This conference puts thousands of students in contact with 
some of the top science and technology companies and organizations, 
which they might otherwise never experience in their school career. 
With the increasing demands for science and technology workers and the 
diminished supply in our region, the STEP Conference is one of the 
largest in California and serves as a spark to ignite the imagination 
of young minds.
  This successful conference takes a great amount of time and energy to 
plan and Diana is an integral part in the planning and execution of the 
event. It is not uncommon for her to work after-hours to ensure the 
conference will be a success. Not only is she an inspiration to the 
students but also to the volunteers who know they can count on her to 
answer their questions or help them in any way. Diana serves a vital 
role to the STEP organization and I commend her commitment to STEP, 
students and education. As a member of the Science Committee, I am 
thankful for people like Diana Poulton because she sets an example that 
will serve as a guiding light for others in the future.
  Diana's tireless passion for community service has contributed 
immensely to the betterment of the Inland Empire in Southern 
California. She is part of the heart and soul of STEP and I am proud to 
call her a fellow community member, American and friend.

                          ____________________