[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8668]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING DARRELL BOWLES, II UPON RECEIVING THE ``YES I CAN'' AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2003

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the inspirational 
accomplishments and remarkable example set by Darrell Bowles, II. 
Darrell, who was born in Knoxville, TN and raised in nearby Blaine, was 
recently named a Tennessee recipient of the ``Yes I Can!'' award, given 
by the Tennessee Federation Council for Exceptional Children. This 
award recognizes outstanding achievement by students receiving special 
education services. I might add that Darrell was among the top five 
nominees at the National level.
  Born weighing only 1 pound, 7 ounces at 26 weeks, Darrell suffered 
blindness shortly after birth. Despite this challenge, Darrell has 
continually proven that with steadfast determination each of us can 
achieve excellence in what we set out to do.
  Now in the ninth grade at the Tennessee School of the Blind and 
Educational Resource Center for the Visually Impaired, Darrell excels 
in technology and computer studies. He has become an expert in 
specialized technology and is an advocate for the continued advancement 
of new software and hardware that further enables visually impaired 
individuals to excel in both the academic and business community.
  Beyond his technological capabilities, however, Darrell's spirit of 
optimism and determination should be an example to each of us. In a 
recent news report, Darrell is quoted as saying that his inspiration to 
give his very best comes from God. He is quoted as saying, ``I didn't 
ask for this, but I am following His will for me.''
  When speaking to people who have become discouraged or frustrated he 
said he likes to tell them that, ``When God opens a door, its there. Go 
in before it closes.''
  Regardless of where we are in life or what challenges we face, I 
believe the advice of Darrell Bowles should apply to each of us.
  I also want to commend the loving family members and dedicated 
teachers who have supported Darrell's efforts. I am sorry to say that 
Darrell's mother has passed away, but the love she shared with him 
continues to be a driving force in his life.
  I am proud to be Darrell's Congressman and on behalf of this body, I 
want to thank Darrell for the example he continues to set for so many, 
and to wish him the greatest success in the future.

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