[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E122-E123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO HADIYA PENDLETON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2013

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable 
young woman who had really just begun to embark upon her life's 
journey, but Hadiya Zaymara Pendleton was taken from us too soon on 
January 29, 2013 as a result of senseless gun violence.
   No words can ease the pain of losing a child, Mr. Speaker. To 
Hadiya's parents and loved ones I can simply offer them a word from 
scripture. In Luke 18:16 the Bible tells us

[[Page E123]]

``Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, 'Let 
the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God 
belongs to those who are like these children.' ''
   Born June 2, 1997, Hadiya was loved by everyone who has encountered 
her since that summer day. A lover of Chinese food, cheeseburgers, ice 
cream, and Fig Newtons, Hadiya was active in extracurricular activities 
such as the CHI-TOWN Cheerleaders, Debate, Volleyball, Basketball, 
Mentoring Programs, and serving as Band Majorette where she proudly 
participated in last month's Inaugural Parade. In addition to her 
extracurricular passions, Hadiya was an honor student who began her 
academic journey at Small Stride Academy and continued her development 
at such schools as John D. Shoop Math-Science Technical Academy, Marva 
Collins School, the Carter G. Woodson School, and Dr. Martin Luther 
King Jr. College Prep High School.
   These institutions were critical in creating a sound educational 
foundation for this well-rounded young woman. Hadiya had a high regard 
for academic success and higher learning. Her favorite class was Latin 
and she recently expressed how disappointed she was that the language 
program would end after this school year. Her love of learning drove 
her ambitions. One of her many aspirations was to major in pharmacology 
and journalism.
   Mr. Speaker, though Hadiya's voice has been silenced far too early 
her memory and her spirit continue to live on through all of us. It now 
falls upon us, Hadiya's friends, family, neighbors, and community to 
speak out in her name, to strive for excellence in her name, and to 
build a better world in her name. I, Mr. Speaker, am one individual who 
pledges to do just that.

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