[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 25]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 33575]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO LaDONNA PAULETTE KORNEGAY

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 10, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to LaDonna 
Paulette Kornegay of Brooklyn, NY. LaDonna's musical talent, as well as 
her dedication to service and ministry, is truly inspirational.
  LaDonna, a lifelong New Yorker, was born on December 6, 1980 to 
Donald Kornegay, Sr. and Emily Kornegay-Brown. Music has always been an 
important part of LaDonna's life. She was inspired by her father, who 
would sit with all of his children and teach them the lyrics to popular 
songs. LaDonna began to sing formally at a young age. She joined her 
elementary school glee club and her junior high school gospel chorus. 
As a member of the New Canaan Baptist Church for 27 years, she has 
blessed the congregation with her talents through her consistent 
involvement with the church's musical programs.
  LaDonna began singing at the church as part of the Sunbeams. She 
later moved up to the RJL Youth Choir eventually becoming a member of 
the ALC Choral Ensemble and the directress of all New Canaan Church 
choirs. Along with fellow directress, Alethea Brisco, LaDonna has taken 
the Youth Choirs to several competitions, and has ministered in 
churches across New York City.
  LaDonna graduated third in her class from Thomas Jefferson High 
School in Brooklyn after only 3 years. She was a leader in the school's 
Fine Arts Academy and a member of the school's Gospel Chorus and Dance 
Club. She was also a participant in the school's Rights of Passage 
Cotillion. LaDonna attended college at the Katherine Gibbs School, 
where she majored in business administration and minored in business 
law. In college, she maintained excellent grades, earning a placement 
on the Dean's List multiple semesters while at the same time caring for 
her father who had become disabled.
  LaDonna lost her father January of last year but she continues to be 
inspired by him. Although she currently works at HSBC Private Bank, she 
continues to be committed to music and ministry. She sings and 
ministers at churches, competitions, nursing homes, shelters, and 
hospitals. She had the privilege of singing at New York City Hall on 
two occasions for both Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Mayor David 
Dinkins.
  LaDonna is a volunteer youth tutor and a youth praise and worship 
leader, and is a member of the Youth United in the Body of Christ 
Ministry and Forever Anointed of Brooklyn. In addition, she is a member 
of Gospel Workshop of America, which hopes to release its first album 
in 2008.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to commend this gifted woman who has so 
unselfishly shared her talents with the people of New York.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
LaDonna Paulette Kornegay for her remarkable abilities and her 
commitment to the Brooklyn community.

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