[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 149 (Tuesday, November 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF THE AVALON ACADEMY

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                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2010

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to 
recognize the 5th anniversary of the Avalon Academy in Burlingame, 
California. This very special school was founded by Annie Noonan and 
Lynette Mullens, parents of children with cerebral palsy, and Kinga 
Czegeni, a special education teacher. The trio had a vision for a 
school that would teach academics and motor--skill development to 
children with movement disorders such as cerebral palsy. It should be 
noted that the students often have multiple disabilities, including 
cognitive impairment.
  Avalon prides itself on its innovative intervention program inspired 
by the Anat Baniel Method, a cutting edge scientific approach to safely 
enhance movement and muscle coordination and to create new 
possibilities for children with cerebral palsy. This humanizing 
approach has created a non-competitive, vibrant and nurturing 
environment that benefits not only the students, but also their 
families and the staff at Avalon.
  I would be remiss if I didn't praise Annie, Lynette, and Kinga for 
devoting their full energies to enhancing the lives of children with 
cerebral palsy. We can make donations, smile and understand, but it 
takes tireless effort to create a learning place that make a special 
life even better.
  Madam Speaker, I can't take you inside Avalon today, but if I could, 
you would see a very special love that exists among the students and 
staff and a level of caring that has changed lives. So, I ask the 
Members to join me in celebrating a dream that thankfully has become a 
reality for dozens of children and families with special needs.

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