[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE DEDICATION OF MICAELA CONNERY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 1, 2003

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary dedication of a young woman from West Hartford, Micaela 
Connery, who has been awarded the 2004 Prudential Spirit of the 
Community Award. This award program was created five years ago and is 
part of a broad initiative by Prudential to encourage young people to 
become involved in community service. This year's honorees received 
national recognition, a $1,000 cash award, and an engraved silver 
medallion.
  Among the 20,000 applicants, Micaela is one of only 104 students who 
received the Prudential Spirit of the Community Award for her acts of 
volunteerism. As a sophomore at Conard High School, Micaela was 
inspired by her cousin with special needs and single-handedly created a 
program that showcases the talents of students with and without special 
needs in theatrical performances. The first production of Micaela's 
Unified Theater, consisting of 20 students, half with special needs and 
half without, raised over $500 in donations. The success of Micaela's 
hard work has spread throughout Connecticut and lead to the formation 
of Unified Theater, Inc. which provides start-up assistance to other 
schools.
  Micaela demonstrates the highest level of compassion, dedication and 
achievement among the youth today. As a young adult, she already 
understands the positive nature of community as she describes through 
her work in the program, ``every member is an equal. Every member works 
together in equal collaboration. What makes Unified Theater different 
is that we see ability where others see disability.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in thanking and 
honoring Miss Micaela Connery for her inspiration and dedication to the 
West Hartford Community.

                          ____________________