[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 64 (Thursday, April 30, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MERCEDES SANTANA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER P. GIBSON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2015

  Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mercedes 
Santana, a talented young lady and athlete.
  Born on August 30, 2003, Mercedes has studied the martial art of Tae 
Kwon Do at Mechelle's Way Tae Kwon Do in Schenectady, New York for the 
last several years. During this time, she successfully earned the level 
of Red Belt, and she continues to pursue her goal of earning a Black 
Belt as well as completion of martial arts weapons training.
  Mr. Speaker, in July of 2013, Mercedes attended and competed in the 
2013 Junior Olympics, held in Detroit, Michigan. At this event Mercedes 
earned a Bronze Medal in Tae Kwon Do, a feat which currently makes her 
the only Junior Olympian in Schenectady, New York. This accomplishment 
has proven Mercedes to be an impressive role model for her peers and 
fellow New Yorkers.
  Outside of Tae Kwon Do, Mercedes holds a diverse range of interests, 
including playing the drums, painting and reading.
  Mr. Speaker, the Junior Olympics have been held over 30 times since 
their inception in 1967. The event has included over 20 sports in this 
time span and the 2013 event alone had over 12,000 athletes in 
attendance. By winning a Bronze Medal, Mercedes has truly proven 
herself to be an impressive student of Tae Kwon Do and overall athlete.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other congressional colleagues 
join me in recognizing Mercedes Santana for her tremendous 
accomplishments, and to encourage Mercedes to continue to inspire those 
around her.

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