[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONGRATULATING DONEISHA BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2009

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, this evening the Michelle 
Mitzvah Group and the Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple of Mahwah will 
bestow their LeBron-Michelle Mitzvah Scholarship upon an outstanding 
young woman, Doneisha Brown. Doneisha is a graduating senior at 
Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ, where she is ranked in the top 5 
percent of her class. During her time at Eastside, Doneisha was active 
in the PEER Leadership Program, a student-run organization that helps 
incoming freshmen acclimate to a high school setting. PEER seeks to 
create a positive, reaffirming community by creating small support 
groups that cut across class divides, and by standing up against 
physical, emotional, and psychological bullying. Along with 
contributing to this very important organization, Doneisha is a scholar 
athlete, having competed in track and field and girl's softball.
  The Michelle Mitzvah Group was founded by Marc Applebaum as a living 
memorial to his daughter Michelle, who succumbed to leukemia. The 
Michelle Mitzvah Group seeks to practice the Jewish covenant of Mitzvah 
through ``hands-on projects,'' such as ministering at children's 
hospitals, food banks, and homeless shelters. The Group also raises 
money for charities, sponsors blood drives, and collects items for our 
wounded veterans. Three years ago, Nathan LeBron partnered with the 
Michelle Mitzvah Group to form the LeBron-Michelle Mitzvah Scholarship 
Fund. Nathan is a cancer survivor who grew up in a dysfunctional home 
and was mentored by Marc Applebaum. With the love and support of 
individuals such as Marc, Nathan went on to graduate from SUNY Albany 
and Harvard University. Nathan formed the LeBron-Michelle Mitzvah 
Scholarship Fund to help other promising-yet-disadvantaged youths in 
receiving the help and guidance they require to go on to college or 
technical school.
  Doneisha Brown is an exceptional student and role model for her 
peers. I am proud of her accomplishments, and expect great things from 
her as she continues her education. I am also proud of the Michelle 
Mitzvah Group and Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple on helping make a 
college education possible for Ms. Brown. Through this scholarship and 
countless other acts of selfless service, the individuals involved have 
made their community a better place. I wish all the very best in the 
coming years.

                          ____________________