[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 72 (Thursday, May 3, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E943-E944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO CODY CARITHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 3, 2007

  Mr. BERRY. Madam Speaker, I rise here today to pay tribute to an 
extraordinary student that will graduate from Highland High School in 
Hardy, Arkansas with thirteen years of perfect attendance. Cody 
Carithers, a promising young man with an even brighter future, will 
graduate from High School on May 18th 2007. Along with Highland High 
School, I am proud to recognize this remarkable young man who is a fine 
example of the many talented students we have in Arkansas.
  Over the years at Highland, Cody has been a member of various clubs 
and organizations. He played sports, was active in the FFA, and served 
as treasurer and member of the Opening Ceremonies, Parliamentary 
Procedures and Show Teams. Cody has also been a devoted member and 
president of the Rebels Against Drugs (RAD) program and has represented 
the program for the past four years as a staff member with the Teens of 
North East Arkansas organization.
  In addition to school and extracurricular activities, Cody worked as 
a volunteer for the Sharp County Library and has been employed at 
Ivey's Automotive Center in Highland, AR for two years. After 
graduation, Cody intends to continue working while attending Black 
River Technical College to pursue a degree in airplane or auto 
mechanics.
  Cody's determination to make it through all thirteen years of school 
without missing a single day is impressive--but it was not easy. About 
two years ago, Cody was diagnosed with a brain tumor near his optic 
nerve, which caused debilitating headaches. Despite numerous trips to 
the Children's Hospital for MRIs and consultations with Neurosurgeons, 
the Children's Hospital worked with him to schedule all of his 
appointments in the evenings and on school holidays so he could achieve 
his goal of having an unblemished attendance record.

[[Page E944]]

  Cody is the first student in the Highland Public School district who 
has maintained perfect attendance for all thirteen years. I am asking 
Congress to join me in recognizing this amazing young man, who despite 
hardships, has already accomplished so much in his academic career. 
Although he will be graduating with a diploma this spring, I'm positive 
this is just the beginning of many other successes to come in his 
future.

                          ____________________