[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2009 BEAT THE ODDS AWARDS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the recipients of the 2009 Beat the Odds Awards presented by the Prince 
William County Bar Foundation. The awards recognize extraordinary youth 
in our community for their determination to overcome adversity and lead 
a full, productive life.
  Beat the Odds Awards focus on young people who have come into contact 
with the juvenile justice system and, despite such an obstacle, have 
overcome abuse, neglect or juvenile delinquency with an earnest effort 
to realize a successful future.
  It is my honor to commend the following individuals who have risen 
above substantial negative influences and are now being recognized as 
community success stories.
  Recipients of the 2009 Beat the Odds Phoenix Award: Jessi Danner, 
Angela Garcia, Cynthia Hubler, Sha-Kina Jackson, and Maria Ann Sisson.
  Recipients of the 2009 Beat the Odds Scholarship Award: Diana S. 
Alvarado, Howard James Artis, Courtney Blaydes, Ian Gabriel Byrd, 
Breanna Lee West Chrisman, Christopher England, Kendra A. Hedgespeth, 
Devon Kennedy, Brittani Nicole Rodriguez, Yaileen Rodriguez, and 
Rebecca L. Smith.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating 
these young people for the positive example they set for their peers. 
Our community sends a powerful message to our youth when we encourage 
them to triumph over setbacks and to gain strength from hardship. The 
fact that more than $100,000 in Beat the Odds scholarships have been 
awarded thus far is a testament to that message.

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