[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 34 (Thursday, February 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ACTION IN COMMUNITY THROUGH SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Mary Ta, a student at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, VA and 
recipient of the In Hope Freedom Rings Foundation Scholarship. Mary 
sets a strong example as a leader among her peers, and is committed to 
making the most of her gifts and passions.
  Mary exhibits a maturity beyond her years. Her father passed away 
when she was eight years old, forcing her family to relocate. Later, as 
her older siblings left home, she assumed responsibility for her 
younger sister. She has learned the flexibility and presence of mind 
needed to excel under demanding circumstances, coupled with a natural 
compassion and intellectual curiosity.
  Mary has distinguished herself as a leader in the school community, 
in large part through her commitment to public service. She is the past 
Secretary and Vice-President of the Lake Braddock Key Club and a member 
of Key Club International. She serves in the Key Club as the Capital 
District's Lieutenant Governor, working on a board of trustees from all 
over the Washington Metro Area and Delaware. Her responsibilities 
include overseeing 15 high schools in the Capital District and acting 
as liaison between them.
  In addition, Mary has organized and coordinated various service 
projects with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the American Red 
Cross, Women's Domestic Shelter, United Nations Children's Fund, and 
many more.
  Mary's strong orientation towards volunteerism has helped make her a 
leader in the student community. In 2005 she co-founded and is the 
current Vice-President of the Bruin ESOL Tutoring Association, a 
tutoring program for middle school students with English as their 
second language. In addition she has been an officer of the National 
Honor Society and the Student Government Association, and last year she 
attended Girls State at Longwood University and was elected to serve as 
a state Delegate.
  Balancing her work in the greater community with more artistic 
activities, Mary is a serious musician, having played the violin for 
nine years. She has been a member of the Lake Braddock Orchestra since 
2003, and is also a member of the Symphonic Orchestra and Tri-M music 
Honor Society.
  Mary intends to continue challenging herself on many levels. 
Following college, she hopes to join the Peace Corps and ultimately to 
become a professor of history.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Mary Ta 
for her commitment to service and for the vital role she continues to 
play in her student community.

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