[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 84 (Monday, June 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO KEISHA ARSO

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 26, 2006

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Keisha 
Arso on the occasion of her graduation from Martin Van Buren High 
School in New York City on June 27, 2006. It behooves us to pay tribute 
to this outstanding citizen and student and I hope that my colleagues 
will join me in recognizing her impressive accomplishments.
  Keisha Arso was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1987. As the 
second of four daughters, Keisha lived in New Orleans until August 2005 
when she and her family had to evacuate their home because of the 
impending onslaught of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most horrific and 
devastating hurricanes to hit the United States.
  Keisha Arso was one of the lucky ones. She was able to escape to 
Texas prior to the hurricane's landing in New Orleans. However, her 
mother Brenda Arso, a nurse, had to stay behind. For days, Keisha Arso, 
like many others separated from family members and unable to establish 
communication, fretted with anxiety as she watched the visual images of 
thousands of people fighting for survival among the rising flood 
waters, lack of food and water, and outlaws victimizing the weak and 
helpless.
  However, with the assistance of clergy, volunteers in New Orleans and 
New York City, and family members in Texas, Keisha was finally reunited 
with her mother and other siblings. Add to that, the dedicated teachers 
and administrators from Martin Van Buren High School, Keisha and her 
family have been able to face and survive many obstacles that from the 
outset seemed insurmountable. The Arso family home may not have 
survived the catastrophic levee breach of Lake Pontchartrain, but 
Keisha's spirit remains intact. Keisha's strength, courage and ability 
to rise above all obstacles and receive her diploma are prominent 
examples of the power of faith, freedom, compassion and the American 
spirit.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize 
the accomplishments of Keisha Arso, as she serves as a role model for 
others facing adversity.
  Mr. Speaker, please join our community in honoring Keisha Arso, as 
her steadfast perseverance makes her most worthy of our recognition 
today.

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