[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 109 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 2010 PACIFIC REGION YOUTH OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT, 
                             ROMONIA DIXON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2010

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. 
Romonia Dixon of Tempe, the recipient of the 2010 Pacific Youth of the 
Year Award. This national award, granted by the Boys and Girls Club of 
America, recognizes Mona's academic excellence and outstanding 
contributions to her school and community despite personal challenges 
and obstacles.
  For much of her life, Romonia has been moving with her family to 
different cities and homeless shelters--often times getting separated 
from her family to ensure each person had a safe haven for the night. 
Romonia reached out to the Boys and Girls Club-Ladmo Branch five years 
ago for stability and support and has since become a beacon of 
inspiration and motivation for younger members.
  This remarkable young woman has taken every opportunity to teach the 
importance of being a conscientious, caring and productive member of 
society. Romonia participates in the Keystone Club, a leadership and 
service group for teens, takes part in ``Read to Me'' volunteer program 
for kids at a shelter where she once lived, and organizes canned food 
drives.
  Romonia's excellence is further reflected in her commitment to her 
education at Tempe High School. Being a former graduate and teacher at 
Tempe High School, I am immensely proud of Romonia's achievements--
graduating third in her class with a 3.92 grade point average. 
Romonia's merits extend beyond the classroom where she served as the 
varsity basketball team's captain, and belonged to a number of school 
organizations.
  Being named Pacific Region Youth of the Year will grant Romonia 
$24,000 in college scholarships from founding sponsor Reader's Digest 
Foundation. This will be in addition to the $30,000 in scholarships 
that Romonia has earned by being named Boys and Girls Club of the East 
Valley's Youth of the Year. Romonia will spread her talent further as 
she enrolls at my alma mater, Arizona State University, where she will 
be a member of the professional program at the W.P. Carey School of 
Business and the Barrett Honors College.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Romonia Dixon for her 
inspiring efforts, talents, and service to our community through the 
Boys and Girls Club.

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