[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 103 (Monday, June 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO NIA ELENA HENRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 25, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 16th birthday of 
Nia Elena Henry. Nia was born in Brooklyn, NY, and attended pre-school 
at the Montessori Academy in Park Slope. She stayed at the Montessori 
Academy throughout elementary school, after which she attended the 
Crown School for Law and Journalism.
  At the Crown School Nia discovered her affinity for filmmaking. She 
demonstrated an ability to lead, and was selected to be a ``Prefect'' 
of a community service team. While serving this position, Nia 
orchestrated a project in which she visited and delivered gifts from 
her schoolmates and New York Assemblyman Clarence Norman to a disabled 
woman.
  During the summer of seventh grade, Nia enrolled in a cultural arts 
program called Ifetayo. Through the program, Nia was able to take 
African and Modern Dancing classes, as well as participate in a program 
called ``Rites of Passage,'' which she continues to attend. Nia was 
able to apply her filming abilities in order to make a movie about the 
death of her grandfather. She also volunteered to complete a cinematic 
project about Guatemala.
  Ms. Henry currently attends the Benjamin Banneker Academy for 
Community Development where she became a student of the Chinese 
language during her freshman year. She also helped to complete a school 
movie made for media communications. Nia is a student with broad 
horizons and great ambitions. Her desire to help others is reflected in 
her ultimate career goal, which is to become a doctor.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the 16th birthday of Nia 
Elena Henry, who has achieved much more in 16 years than most are able 
to accomplish in a lifetime.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Nia Elena Henry.

                          ____________________