[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14617]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       COMMENDATION OF MARIO CRUZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY G. MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 2000

  Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to congratulate Mario Cruz, a Victorville High School 
student, for his numerous and laudable achievements.
  Mario's commitment to education is demonstrated by his perfect 
attendance record and excellent grades. His ability to excel in school 
is made all the more impressive when one takes into account the 
exclusive attention he gives to his home duties, while additionally 
helping to support himself through work and occupational training.
  Despite losing both of his parents at a young age, Mario has remained 
positive in nature and dedicated to building a prosperous personal and 
community life. Mario's overwhelming triumph over difficult and 
challenging circumstances is both moving and inspiring.
  Mario's long list of educational accomplishments include attaining 
excellent grades, being in the top 5% of his class, achieving perfect 
attendance, serving as a Junior Class Officer and Key Club Officer, 
attending after school occupational training, and summer school classes 
for extra credit.
  Mario's decision to remain alcohol, tobacco, drug and gang free and 
his incalculable future potential serve as an invaluable and exemplary 
model of dedication, honesty, determination, strength of character and 
success for his community and peers.
  Respected and well-liked by all teachers and peers alike, Mario Cruz 
embodies the finest qualities of America's youth.
  Mario has also been fortunate enough to have the unwavering support 
of a group of Diamond Bar, Pomona, and Victorville residents and 
community leaders including Dr. Joseph Eiswert, D.M.D., who operates 
the Smilemakers dental practice; Christine Briggs, the Executive 
Director for, United Way; Felix and Margaret Diaz; Lyle Henry; Mel 
Friedland, Esq.; Dorothy Harper, Esq.; John Clifford, Esq.; Marta 
Melendez of Catholic Charities; Sister Sharon Becker, Vice President, 
at St. Mary's Medical Center; Rhonda Morken, the Executive Director of 
One 2 One Mentors; Ronald Wilson, Chairman, President, and CEO of 
Desert Community Bank, DCB; Peter Schmidt, Vice President of UmLab; 
Eddie Cortez, Mayor of Pomona, Mike Radlovic 41st. Congressional 
District Bush Campaign, GOP Chair, and Lincoln Club President; Edda 
Gahm Diamond Bar Republican Woman's Club, Bush Campaign Chair; Diamond 
Bar Councilman Robert Huff; Carolyn Elfellt and Dr. York Lee, Walnut 
Valley Unified School District Board Members; Nancy J. Mc Cracken, 
Brenda Phyllis Engdahl, Pomona Unified School District; Nick Anis, 
Diamond Bar Sister City, President; Patricia Anis, Vice Chair Diamond 
Bar Parks and Recreation Commission; Gil Villavicencio, Owner, Whole 
Enchilada restaurant chain; and others.
  These individuals have pledged their support for ``Project Mario,'' 
an effort aimed at helping this promising high school junior complete 
his secondary education and continue on at a four-year college.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I congratulate Mario Cruz 
and extend to him this much deserved recognition for his courage of 
both heart and mind.

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