[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 12902-12903]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



          A TRIBUTE TO LORNA McNEILL, MISS NORTH CAROLINA 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2000

  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Lorna McNeill who 
was recently crowned Miss North Carolina 2000. A native of Saddletree 
Township which is near Lumberton, in my home county of Robeson, Lorna's 
recent accomplishment is a source of immense pride throughout our 
county and all of southeastern North Carolina. She is also the first 
Lumbee Indian to win the title of Miss North Carolina.
  The American historian, James Truslow Adams, once said, ``Seek out 
that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and 
vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, `This 
is the real me,' and when you have found that attitude, follow it.'' 
With decision, dedication, and determination, Lorna has followed her 
heart and mind and become Miss North Carolina 2000.
  Lorna is a woman of decision who trusts in her instincts, her deeply-
rooted religious beliefs, and the guidance of her wonderful parents in 
setting her goals. She is a woman of decision who is always looking for 
ways to help others. She is a woman of decision who always asks, ``How 
can I best serve my community?''

[[Page 12903]]

  Lorna is a woman of dedication who does not rest on her laurels. A 
winner of the first pageant she entered at the age of 15--Miss St. 
Pauls--and subsequent crowns of Miss Lumbee in 1994, Miss Fayetteville 
in 1998, and Miss Topsail Island in 2000, Loma has kept the fire and 
energy alive to reach her dream of Miss North Carolina. She is a woman 
of dedication who provides a positive example for all to follow. A 
woman of dedication who has served as a substance abuse counselor with 
the Palmer Drug Prevention Program in Lumberton, Lorna will now inform 
young people all across North Carolina of the danger of drugs and 
alcohol.
  Finally, Lorna is a woman of determination: a woman determined to 
make a difference, a woman of determination who understands that we 
face challenges that will define our future, a woman of determination 
who knows that we must address these challenges, a woman of 
determination motivated by the hope of making life better for all.
  Personally, my family and I have come to know and love Lorna over the 
last few years. She sang when I first announced I was running for 
Congress on September 25, 1995, in Lumberton's Downtown Plaza, and she 
also sang during my announcement for re-election on October 2, 1997. 
More recently, my wife, Dee, and Lorna have been ``working out'' 
together at a local fitness center for the last six months, leading up 
to her recent coronation. Lorna and Dee have even been taking boxing 
together under the same instructor, Staff Sgt. Andrew Baker, who is 
retired from the U.S. Army.
  Mr. Speaker, Lorna often uses the words of Pastor Robert Schuller 
when speaking before young people on the importance of achieving their 
dreams--``If it's gonna be, it's up to me.''
  Lorna, thank you for fulfilling those words through your decision, 
your dedication, and your determination. We wish you continued success, 
and may God's strength, peace and joy be with you as you begin your 
reign as Miss North Carolina 2000 and as you compete for the title of 
Miss America!

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