[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    COMMENDING PENNY HOLMES ABRAHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2008

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Penny Holmes 
Abraham for her accomplishments and work benefitting Central Louisiana.
  For the past 11 years, Mrs. Abraham has been an excellent art teacher 
at Alexandria Country Day School and has established an art program 
recognized throughout the community for its high standards and talented 
students.
  Mrs. Abraham's efforts at Alexandria Country Day School earned a 
$5,000 prize for the school in the educational competition as part of 
the ``Heart of Spain'' exhibit in Alexandria.
  Her students have won numerous awards, and their works have been 
highlighted on book covers, presented in art exhibits, as well as 
featured in fundraisers for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and 
the American Heart Association. Mrs. Abraham and her students have also 
been a fundamental part of the River Oaks Art Square Van Gogh Gala by 
contributing hundreds of pieces of art for the auction.
  Moreover, Mrs. Abraham has volunteered as the art instructor for 
children who are being served by the Rapides Children's Advocacy Center 
and has assisted them in producing art work for a CASA calendar. She 
created several pieces of art to be used in the show home tour for 
another CASA fundraiser.
  Mrs. Abraham's art work has been displayed in numerous private homes 
and businesses throughout the area, giving her a prominent role in the 
professional art community in Central Louisiana.
  For these endeavors, it was my honor to select Mrs. Abraham to create 
the 2008 White House Christmas ornament for Louisiana's 5th 
Congressional District. Her work, truly illustrative of the region, is 
displayed on this year's White House Christmas tree.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Mrs. 
Abraham for her aptitude and accomplishments benefitting Central 
Louisiana.

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