[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 43 (Monday, March 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MS. JEANIE PARNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARTHA ROBY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 11, 2019

  Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Jeanie Parnell, 
an exceptional Alabamian who won the 2018 Southeastern Literary Tourism 
Initiative writing contest with her short story, ``Tunnel Vision,'' 
that focuses on the American Civil Rights Movement in my hometown 
Montgomery, Alabama.
   Born and raised in Montgomery, Jeanie received her undergraduate 
degree from Auburn University. Following her graduation from Auburn, 
Jeanie received post-graduate degrees in English and Teaching Writing 
from Auburn University Montgomery.
   Jeanie is a stay-at-home mother of three currently living in 
Montgomery. She has written several successful novels, including 
``Fairhope,'' a second-prize winner of the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough 
Novel Award. Her most recent short story, ``Tunnel Vision,'' captures 
the spirit of social change through the eyes of a 1954 Montgomery woman 
who is magically transported to modern-day Alabama.
   Literature like Jeanie's story can encourage tourism and promote 
economic growth in communities throughout the United States. The 
Southeastern Literary Tourism Initiative challenges writers to create 
stories that attract visitors to areas like Alabama's Second District. 
Jeanie has truly captured the spirit of Montgomery, and I encourage 
others to visit our beautiful city so that they may see firsthand the 
rich history of our area.
   Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Ms. Parnell's literary 
success and to acknowledge her impact on the Montgomery community. I am 
proud to call her a lifelong friend and fellow Alabamian.

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