[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 26427]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 26427]]

                 IVETTE FERNANDEZ--MISS ALASKA USA 2001

  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, congratulations are in order for a 
``Royal'' Alaskan on my staff. Staff Assistant Ivette Fernandez was 
recently crowned Miss Alaska USA 2001 at the state pageant held in 
Anchorage. Ivette was judged in the interview, swimsuit, and evening 
gown competitions. Along with the title of Miss Alaska USA, Ivette also 
was honored with the Miss Congeniality title.
  Born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, Ivette is the daughter of 
Antonio and Gloria Fernandez of Fairbanks. She is a graduate of Lathrop 
High School in Fairbanks and attended the University of Alaska 
Fairbanks before transferring to The George Washington University (GWU) 
in Washington, DC. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from 
GWU in the fall of 1999. Her future plans include attending law school 
and working in International Affairs.
  As the new Miss Alaska USA, Ivette will represent Alaska in the Miss 
USA pageant which will be held in early February in Gary, Indiana. 
Ivette will compete for the title of Miss USA with other young women 
from 49 states and the District of Columbia.
  Upon winning the Miss Alaska USA title, Ivette won scholarship and 
wardrobe money, a free trip to the national pageant, and other generous 
prizes, as well as her crown and sash. However, this is not her first 
time wearing a crown. In April 1999, Ivette represented Alaska as our 
Cherry Blossom Princess for the National Cherry Blossom Festival here 
in Washington, DC.
  My wife Nancy and I have known Ivette for many years. We are very 
proud of her and her accomplishments, and we know that she will 
represent Alaska with poise and distinction. Ivette is a pleasure to be 
around and a great asset to my office staff.
  Mr. President, my staff and I want to wish Ivette the best of luck 
when she competes in the Miss USA pageant this coming February, and we 
again extend our congratulations to her on winning her title.

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