[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 73 (Tuesday, May 10, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      THANKING MELISSA LEAYM-FERNANDEZ FOR HER CHARITY AND SERVICE

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                         HON. DANIEL T. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2016

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing Ms. Leaym-Fernandez for the 
support she has offered to the city of Flint and its students during 
the Flint Water Crisis.
   Ms. Leaym-Fernandez is a professional artist and visual arts teacher 
in Flint Community Schools. Flint schools have an art budget of less 
than one dollar per student annually, but Ms. Leaym-Fernandez makes it 
her mission to combat this by providing opportunities and resources for 
Flint students to express themselves artistically. She has worked 
tirelessly to find funding opportunities to empower both her visual 
arts program and the students within it since she took the lead two 
years ago.
   Ms. Leaym-Fernandez emphasizes the importance of artistic expression 
by focusing her efforts on the population of disenfranchised students 
in her district who need her help the most, especially those students 
who attend an alternative education institution. Fostering success in 
students who vary from being teen parents, on probation, or have 
learning or discipline difficulties is a commendable mission. 
Especially in light of the ongoing water crisis. By striving to give 
students the resources they need to express themselves creatively and 
artistically, Ms. Leaym-Fernandez sets an admirable example for 
teachers and community members alike.
   It is my honor to represent such active and charitable members of 
our community, and Melissa Leaym-Fernandez is a shining example. The 
type of direct and individual care that Ms. Leaym-Fernandez has shown 
is exactly what the students of Flint need.
   Mr. Speaker, I applaud the work done by Ms. Leaym-Fernandez and 
thank her for the service she has provided to the students and city of 
Flint.

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