[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 26622-26623]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING BURTON AND NELLIE SEARLES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 3, 2007

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Burton and 
Nellie Searles for receiving the ``Foster Parents of the Year'' award.
  This award is given to 1 family each year by the Texas Council of 
Child Welfare Board. On September 20, 2007, the Searles received the 
award at the 29th Annual Cheerleaders for Texas Children ceremony.
  Mr. and Mrs. Searles have been fostering children for 18 years. The 
couple, who will be married 49 years in February of 2008, have fostered 
a total of 77 children in their home. In addition to 3 children of 
their own, they have also adopted a child.
  Mr. and Mrs. Searles began taking care of basic children but then 
changed their foster care licenses to take care of special needs 
children. The Searles say that they love taking care of special needs 
children because of the challenge. The Searles also plan on continuing 
care for foster children for many years to come.
  I extend my sincerest congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Searles for 
their award. I thank them for their devotion and dedication to helping 
foster children. I am very proud and honored to represent them in the 
26th District of Texas.

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