[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO MRS. ALICE NICKENS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. FRANK W. BALLANCE, JR.

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 2004

  Mr. BALLANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mrs. Alice Nickens, one of 
my most senior constituents on the occasion of the recent celebration 
of her 100th birthday. Mrs. Nickens has had the good fortune to witness 
all of the remarkable events and changes that shaped our country during 
the 20th century.
  Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Nickens is a retired educator who taught at every 
school in Hertford County. She began by teaching history as a senior at 
Waters Normal Institute before beginning her formal career as an 
educator in 1922.
  Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Nickens indicated that, ``in those days'', a person 
didn't have to go to college in order to teach. Mrs. Nickens was 
considered bright in her subjects and she acknowledges that she was 
fortunate to have gotten a teaching position. She earned an 
undergraduate degree from Hampton Institute in Virginia and a masters 
degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and she never looked for 
another job.
  Mr. Speaker, for 95 long years, Mrs. Nickens has been a dedicated 
member of Pleasant Plains Baptist Church. She taught Sunday school for 
50 years, emphasizing the power of prayers and the providence of the 
Lord.
  Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Nickens acknowledges the fact that she is very 
blessed to have lived such a long and productive life. She realizes 
that many people take their health for granted and neglect to go to the 
doctor for regular visits. She warns that some of the diseases with 
which we suffer today could be prevented if folks would simply commit 
to take care of themselves and make regular visits to the doctor 
whether in good or poor health.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mrs. 
Alice Nickens, an exemplary citizen as she celebrates her 100th 
birthday.

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