[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 85 (Friday, May 27, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATIONS TO BIRMINGHAM CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM'S CLASS OF 2016 
                             VALEDICTORIANS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 27, 2016

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate 
Birmingham City School System's Class of 2016 Valedictorians--all of 
whom are female. As the headline reads in the local paper, ``Talk about 
major girl power.'' At last count, these young ladies have received 
more than ``$2.85 million in scholarship offers for 2016.'' The 
Birmingham City School System also had two Gates Millennium Scholars 
this year including Ramsay High School's Valedictorian, Maya Quinn.
   The Class of 2016 Valedictorians includes: Parker High School's 
Alejandrina Bravo; Woodlawn High School's Michelle Thomas; Huffman High 
School's Kierra Hutchins; Jackson-Olin High School's Alana Bennett; 
Ramsay High School's Maya Quinn; and Carver High School's Jamerial 
Gardner and Ariana Robinson. Carver High School was unique in that they 
had two students tie for valedictorian this year.
   Mr. Speaker, while most of the communities in my district are 
greatly underserved, we continuously see what is possible from our 
citizens with a little bit of resources and whole bunch of hard work.
   We know that when women succeed, America succeeds. And these young 
women are on the path to bright futures, and to giving back in 
hopefully meaningful ways to our communities, and should be commended 
for their outstanding achievements. I am sure they will look back 
proudly on this accomplishment as they blaze their respective paths in 
life.
   Mr. Speaker, I want my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
outstanding women who serve as 2016 Valedictorians in the Birmingham 
City School System. Girl Power!

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