[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 56 (Friday, April 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E742]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATIONS TO MRS. PAT STELLA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2011

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and acknowledge Pat 
Stella, a recipient of the 2011 Volunteers of America Pennsylvania's 
Spirit of Youth award.
  The Spirit of Youth award is given to those who instill hope and 
belief in the advancement of all. Their support of the community and of 
Volunteers of America ranges from helping children to helping those who 
are young at heart. Pat has dedicated herself to doing just that 
through her business and volunteer efforts.
  Pat Stella is the owner and operator of 11 McDonald's restaurants 
throughout Luzerne, Carbon, Lackawanna, and Wayne counties in 
Pennsylvania. Growing up in Chicago, Pat's mother started working as a 
secretary in the McDonald's corporate office. Her family moved to 
Pennsylvania after selling everything they had to buy a McDonald's 
franchise. Pat, a former elementary school teacher, began working for 
McDonald's when her family opened a second restaurant more than 30 
years ago. She became the owner-operator of the enterprise in 1980.
  Pat's work ethic and service has been recognized in many ways. In 
2003, Pat received the McDonalds Street Fighter Award for her superior 
marketing and business sales. She has also received the Women 
Operators' Network 2003 Shining Star Award. Most notably, Pat earned 
the highest award a McDonald's owner can received, the Golden Arch 
Award.
  Pat not only dedicates herself to her work, but she also dedicates 
herself to her husband and three children, and to her community. In 
addition to working with Volunteers of America, Pat serves on the 
boards of the Pittston Chamber of Commerce and Scranton's Ronald 
McDonald House. She is a past member of McDonald's National Operators 
Advisory Board and its Steering Committee, and she has served as the 
co-chair of the Philadelphia McDonald's Owner/Operator Association.
  Mr. Speaker, Pat Stella's work ethic is not the only trait to make 
her stand out in our community. Pat's service to our area has touched 
many lives. Mr. Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Mrs. Pat Stella, a recipient of this year's Volunteers 
of America Pennsylvania's Spirit of Youth award.

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