[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12084]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATORY REMARKS FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL VALEDICTORIANS OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend tens of thousands 
of youngsters who, this year, earned their high school diplomas as 
first in their respective graduating classes. The diploma in itself has 
come to symbolize promise and opportunity, the first step in a series 
of steps towards achieving the American dream, and I am proud of each 
and every student who earned one this year. But that honor is ever the 
more remarkable when awarded with a valedictorian title, an 
acknowledgement that its receiver is academically top-notch in his or 
her class.
  These bright, young minds--freshly out of school, having ostensibly 
left adolescence behind and come into their own as educated, young 
adults--will inherit this world, as much our successes as our failures. 
It will be up to them to improve upon our legacy, to wield their 
ingenuity and knowledge to the benefit of their country and their 
world. It pleases me to know that there are steady, capable young hands 
out there prepared to mold, shape, and supply form to a better future.
  These men and women are an exemplary class, many of whom will go on 
to earn college degrees, serve America in some form of public service, 
travel abroad, raise families, or join the workforce. Regardless of the 
path, their unique strengths and talents will sustain America and her 
standing on the global stage. Although the task may sound great and 
daunting, these achievers have shown both grit and giftedness over the 
past 4 years and will surely rise to the challenge with poise and a 
sense of purpose.
  But for today, we celebrate and congratulate, keeping an eye on the 
greatness that lies in store for them and this Nation.

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