[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 34 (Thursday, March 16, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO MARIA JOHNSON

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2006

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Maria Johnson, 
a member of the Brooklyn community and a distinguished member of the 
healthcare profession.
  Mrs. Johnson has been a professional registered nurse for 15 years, 
working in various areas of nursing, such as oncology, medical-surgical 
nursing, visiting nursing and intensive care, and for the past 10 
years, as a public health school nurse in the department of Health and 
Mental Hygiene Office of School Health. Her passion is geared to 
helping and impacting people.
  Mrs. Johnson is currently a supervising nurse for the Office of 
School Health in District 23 and 19 in Brownsville and East New York, 
Brooklyn. She supervises a staff of 35, consisting of nurses, public 
health advisors and assistants. Her goal is to provide optimal health 
services to children especially in under-serviced areas. She is 
passionate about providing public health teaching to the school health 
community, and making a difference by upholding the standards of 
service. Her commitment to encouraging and empowering people to become 
more knowledgeable about public health services helps public health 
professionals develop organizational systems that work well in 
providing care to students. She keeps her staff focused and 
enthusiastic so that they not only see their very difficult role as the 
school nurse, advisor or assistant as just a profession, but as a 
purpose by which they are driven. Two years ago, she inspired her staff 
to create a Secret Santa for various needy children in the community.
  Mrs. Johnson is a graduate of Long Island University with a 
Baccalaureate degree in nursing. She was the first nurse to be 
nominated as employee of the month in the Department of Health.
  Mrs. Johnson attributes her success first to God and a strong 
foundation from her parents, and the support from her husband and 
children. She is an active member of her church where she and her 
husband provide lay biblical counseling for pre-marital couples. She 
enjoys reading, dancing, craft projects and decorating.
  An important question she often asks herself is, what I have done 
today to affect others and make a difference. Her famous motto is 
``Keep a smile on your face and let your spirit shine through,'' which 
is often placed on her staff's schedule.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize 
the accomplishments of Maria Johnson, as she offers her talents and 
community services for the good of our local communities.
  Mr. Speaker, Maria Johnson's selfless service has continuously 
demonstrated a level of altruistic dedication that makes her most 
worthy of our recognition today.

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