[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16755]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



             TRIBUTE TO MARY NOUCAS--OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Mary Noucas, for her recognition as an Outstanding Volunteer 
by the New Hampshire Partners in Education.
  In a world full of waning civic responsibility, it is always 
heartwarming to hear of selfless citizens devoting time to their 
communities. Mary's tireless dedication to Portsmouth schools has 
garnered her state-wide recognition for her efforts. She initially 
started working at the Dondero Elementary School when her children 
started kindergarten seven years ago in order to become more fully 
involved in their education. She offered to sign up for everything to 
get to know the teachers and the parents better, and hasn't stopped 
since. Her work now stretches to other schools in the area as well.
  Mary has established a number of successful programs at the school, 
such as the Class Popcorn Giveaway and the Magical Mailbox program, 
heads numerous committees, and has overseen countless art shows, bake 
sales and book fairs. She puts together the middle school newsletter 
and continues to do publicity for the elementary school. She truly 
enjoys volunteering and cites her love of children as the driving force 
behind her efforts.
  Mary's work is truly inspirational and typifies what is good about 
American citizens today. Without the help of dedicated volunteers, our 
schools would not be able to run smoothly, and it is the children who 
ultimately would suffer. It is truly an honor to represent her in the 
U.S. Senate.

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