[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM RECIPIENT MRS. RUTH COLVIN

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                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2007

  Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Mrs. 
Ruth Colvin, a 2006 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom for 
her work as the founder of Literacy Volunteers of America.
  Literacy Volunteers of America is a national, educational, non-profit 
organization that trains volunteers to teach Adult Basic Literacy (ABL) 
and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). In 2002 Literacy 
Volunteers of America merged with Laubach Literacy International to 
become ProLiteracy Worldwide, and now has 1200 affiliates across the 
United States and over 50 partners worldwide. Her work has made 
Syracuse, NY, the center of global literacy efforts.
  Ruth Colvin is a literacy pioneer and one of our Nation's most 
effective ambassadors to the world on the importance of education. The 
founder of Literacy Volunteers of America, she has dedicated her life 
to helping the less fortunate gain the reading and language skills they 
need to succeed. Her work has inspired others to lead lives of service 
and devote their time and talents to combating illiteracy. The United 
States honors Ruth Johnson Colvin for her extraordinary efforts to 
provide hope and opportunity to people everywhere.

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