[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            ALFERD WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 2008

  Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alferd 
Williams, of St. Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Williams, a sharecropper's son, 
who never got the chance to go to school, is now learning to read. 
Alferd is an inspiration to his teacher and classmates, and a prime 
example of someone setting their mind to accomplish a goal and then 
achieving success.
  In 2006, Alferd joined a first-grade class at Edison Elementary 
School, to fulfill a promise he made to his mother and himself. That 
promise was that he would learn how to read. Mr. Williams is now in his 
second year at Edison Elementary School, and plans to stay in Ms. 
Alesia Hamilton's first-grade class until he completes his GED.
  Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Alferd 
Williams, who is a true inspiration for all that know him, and all that 
have had the opportunity to hear of his inspirational story. Mr. 
Williams is living proof that with faith and persistence, you can 
achieve any goal. It is truly an honor to serve Mr. Williams in the 
United States Congress.

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