[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2178]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO CENTER FOR PROVISIONAL ACCELERATED LEARNING

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
Center for Provisional Accelerated Learning, PAL, in San Bernardino, 
CA. For the past 20 years, the Provisional Accelerated Learning Center 
has been an outstanding community center for service and support.
  The PAL Center was the vision of Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry, a retired 
professor emeritus from California State University at San Bernardino. 
In August 1983, Dr. Henry, community resident Alonza Thompson, and 
other members of the community worked together to establish a 
community-based learning center.
  Today, these PAL Center founders can look back at 20 successful years 
of community outreach and mentorship that has changed the lives of 
many. Many students have written about the gratitude and fond memories 
they hold for the PAL Center and the positive effect it had on their 
lives.
  At the PAL Center, individuals from throughout the community can 
receive quality educational services and individual life assistance and 
support. The PAL Center values cultural diversity and strives to assist 
individuals from all walks of life. In many communities throughout our 
Nation, troubling situations have forced many individuals to go without 
the assistance that could change their lives. In San Bernardino, these 
same individuals can count on the PAL Center to help them plan for and 
take action to face life's challenges and plan for successful futures.
  I applaud the service and dedication of the community heroes at the 
Center for Provisional Accelerated Learning in San Bernardino. Their 
efforts have made a lasting impression on their community, and set a 
standard for our nation. Please join me in honoring them on their 20th 
anniversary.

                          ____________________