[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6001]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING ELIZABETH QUINTERO

                                 ______
                                 

                               TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2006

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable young 
woman and one of my constituents, Elizabeth Quintero of Redwood City.
  Elizabeth was recently selected as the California's Boys and Girls 
Club Youth of the Year. She was chosen from among three-dozen 
competitors for the title because of her intelligence, positive 
attitude and perseverance. Elizabeth is even more extraordinary because 
of the battles she has won in her personal life.
  Mr. Speaker, in the last five years Elizabeth has experienced more 
tragedy and stress than most seventeen year olds. Her father has had to 
endure a tragic and debilitating health diagnosis, her home was robbed 
and then completely destroyed by an unfortunate fire. In addition to 
these challenges, Elizabeth also struggled with a strong case of social 
anxiety that prevented her from participating in school and in her 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, we honor Elizabeth today for the courage and optimism 
she showed in the face of adversity. After accompanying a friend to the 
local Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula she began to fight her 
social anxiety. This once shy girl became an active member of the 
Keystone Club where she attended workshops on leadership skills and 
public speaking. She volunteered for Community Service and Academic 
Programs, while excelling at school and emerging as a leader among her 
friends and classmates.
  Elizabeth received the Youth of the Year award honoring her 
outstanding contributions to the community but also overcoming personal 
obstacles.
  Elizabeth continues to challenge herself and her friends and 
neighbors. On the day she was named Youth of the Year she also learned 
she had been accepted for admission to the University of San Francisco. 
This summer she will advance to the Regional Youth of the Year 
competition, and then to Washington, D.C. to compete for the title of 
National Youth of the Year, an honor that includes a $15,000 college 
scholarship presented by President George W. Bush.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Elizabeth on this distinguished award and her promising future.

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