[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 65 (Thursday, April 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF GUST SEVASTOS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Gust 
Sevastos, as he is being recognized by the Cleveland AHEPA--American 
Hellenic Education Progressive Association--as the Socratic Award 
Honoree of the Year, at their 44th Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet.
  Mr. Sevastos immigrated to Cleveland in 1958, with not much more than 
the clothes on his back, faith in his heart and the promise of the 
American dream. He married, started a family and began his own 
business. He also began a legacy of dedicated service to the Greek 
community of Cleveland. His service to others and spirit of 
volunteerism continues to reflect throughout our community.
  Mr. Sevastos served as president of Annunciation Church, and was one 
of the founding members of the annual Greek Heritage Festival. His 
dedication to preserving his heritage while assisting others to succeed 
is also evidenced in the Chios Society, where he held leadership 
positions on both local and national levels. During his tenure with the 
Chios Society, he led many fundraising efforts and raise hundreds of 
thousands of dollars for medical clinics, including an eye clinic and 
hospital, to provide greatly needed medical services for the poor in 
the beautiful coastal town of Chios, Greece. Mr. Sevastos has also 
helped raise tens of thousands of dollars toward college scholarships 
for young adults in the Cleveland community. His significant 
contributions have not gone unrecognized. He has been honored numerous 
times by local, state and national leaders of the United States and 
Greece as well.
  Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor of Mr. Gust 
Sevastos upon his recognition as the Cleveland AHEPA's Socratic Honoree 
of the Year. His leadership, kindness, service to others and commitment 
to preserving the rich cultural heritage of his Greek homeland serves 
to deepen the diversity in our Cleveland community. Mr. Sevastos' 
lifelong spirit of volunteerism and dedication to helping others has 
enriched the lives of numerous families and individuals--from Cleveland 
to Chios, connecting us all in our shared humanity. I consider Mr. 
Sevastos to be a friend and mentor, and I wish him and his family an 
abundance of peace, health and happiness.

                          ____________________