[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 68 (Friday, May 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO SHEILA PEMBERTON

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2004

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Sheila Pemberton in 
recognition of her contributions to her community and dedication to 
providing quality health care to all people.
  As a young adult growing up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it was 
always Sheila Pemberton's dream to pursue a career in nursing which 
would enable her to serve humanity. In her nursing career, which 
spanned over 40 years, Sheila has always advocated for her clients to 
receive quality health care. As a young nurse, Sheila joined a small, 
elite group of Public Health Nurses within the City of New York 
Department of Health.
  As a Public Health Nurse, Sheila worked in various capacities in the 
Bedford Stuyvesant community. She was passionate about the quality of 
care provided to both adults and children. She worked in child health 
clinics, which covered a wide range of health problems and was truly an 
advocate for children. As a School Nurse, she worked tirelessly with 
children from elementary to high school in both public and parochial 
schools. During her tenure she interacted with students, parents and 
teachers to promote health in the community with emphasis on the family 
as a unit. She is a strong voice for the physically and mentally 
challenged and whenever there is a call for help, Sheila will answer 
it.
  She is a lifelong member of Chi Eta Sorority, Theta Chi Chapter. From 
her inception in this sorority, Soror Pemberton, as she is called, has 
lived up to the motto ``Service for Humanity.'' She works diligently to 
carry out the goals of the sorority and always makes herself available 
to provide assistance in any capacity.
  Sheila is an ardent member of her church and has served as co-
chairperson of the health organization. These activities include 
organizing health fairs, visiting the sick, shut-ins, accompanying 
patients to the doctor and providing childcare on occasions for 
parents.
  She has always advocated for the helpless, less fortunate and at 
present, she advocates for a physically challenged individual who lives 
in a special residence. She visits him on a regular basis and attends 
meetings on his behalf.
  Ms. Pemberton has been recognized with many awards for her extensive 
and varied experiences, including: certificates of achievement and 
recognition from the NYC Department of Health for 25-30 years of 
service; a Proclamation from the Office of the Mayor, City of New York; 
the Bureau of School Children and Adolescents for Contributions to the 
Bureau; District 21 Board of Education for Staff Development; and for 
participating in the Developmental/Delayed and Disability in Children 
program in New York City. Many sorority honors have also been bestowed 
on Sheila including: The Marguerite Creth Jackson Sisterhood Award for 
Service for Humanity of Chi Eta Phi Sorority; for Outstanding Co-
chairperson of the Hospitality Committee of Chi Eta Phi Sorority in 
1990; and for serving as Dean of Pledge Chi Chapter June 1992 to June 
1997.
  Mr. Speaker, Sheila Pemberton has dedicated her life to providing 
quality health care to her community. As such, she is more than worthy 
of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to join me 
in honoring this truly remarkable person.

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