[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF ``BEAT THE ODDS'' IN LOUDOUN 
                            COUNTY, VIRGINIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 16, 2009

  Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the fifth 
anniversary of the ``Beat the Odds'' program in Loudoun County, 
Virginia. I am honored to recognize this important program in the 10th 
District of Virginia.
  ``Beat the Odds'' is a national scholarship program that was 
initiated by the Children's Defense Fund in 1990 to celebrate the 
positive potential of young people and further their dreams of higher 
education. In 2004, several organizations in Loudoun County came 
together to organize the Loudoun chapter of ``Beat the Odds.'' These 
organizations include: the Bar Association, the Department of Mental 
Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, the Department 
of Family Services, the Sheriff's Office, Juvenile Court Services, the 
Public Defender's Office, and the Commonwealth Attorney's Office.
  Since the first awards were given in 2005, the Loudoun Chapter has 
presented over $40,000 in scholarships and merit awards to 18 deserving 
high school seniors from across Loudoun County. These young people have 
overcome tremendous challenges and obstacles in their daily lives to 
become role models in their communities. Their drive to succeed and 
inner strength make them truly remarkable individuals.
  Each May, awardees are honored and recognized in a ceremony at the 
Old Courthouse in Leesburg. I had the privilege of attending this 
year's ceremony, which was held on May 28. This year's honorees were: 
Breon Earle, Broad Run High School; Ahsanul Haque, Dominion High 
School; Joseph Williams, Dominion High School; Marlen Santos, Loudoun 
Valley High School, and Jessica Murray, Loudoun Valley High School.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating these outstanding 
students and recognize their achievements, as well as the continuing 
legacy of ``Beat the Odds'' in Loudoun County.

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