[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 100 (Friday, June 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ERNESTINE CORNETT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 29, 2012

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Ernestine Cornett, in honor of her retirement after dedicating nearly 
30 years to WYMT-TV, a CBS-affiliate in Hazard, Kentucky, providing 
continuous news coverage and serving as a tireless ambassador for 
southern and eastern Kentucky.
  With Ernestine Cornett at the helm of WYMT as General Manager, 
hundreds of thousands of families gained access to local, live-remote 
news coverage in southern and eastern Kentucky with the station's first 
satellite truck. Over the years, WYMT-TV has also answered the call for 
more than news coverage. To promote higher attainment rates for college 
degrees, Ernestine led the way for thousands of students in the region 
to gain access to college scholarships through fundraising efforts by 
the station. In the midst of flooding, tornadoes and other natural 
disasters, the station has provided staff and airtime for numerous 
telethons to raise money to give back to families and communities in 
dire need. During the holidays, WYMT also promotes food and donation 
drives to make sure the less fortunate have something to celebrate.
  Ernestine Cornett is also a model for women in business in rural 
communities. Starting in the commercial traffic department at WYMT more 
than two decades ago, Ernestine worked her way up the ladder to general 
manager in 1990 through her loyalty to the region, integrity in 
decision-making, her astute leadership, and pure hard work. The 
station's call letters, WYMT, stand for ``We're Your Mountain 
Television'' and it's Ernestine's passion for connecting and improving 
the region that have served as hallmarks for the station's mission.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a leader and 
dear friend of southern and eastern Kentucky, Ernestine Cornett, on her 
retirement. My wife, Cynthia and I wish Ernestine and her family all 
the best in the years to come.

                          ____________________