[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22499]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING REBECCA PARRIS OF SWAIN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

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                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 23, 2009

  Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rebecca Parris, a 
remarkable young woman in Swain County, North Carolina.
  Miss Parris, a student of Swain County High School, raised over 
$4,000 for the Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, South 
Carolina. Miss Parris was inspired to take action upon hearing that 
reductions in donations and increasing medical costs could lead to the 
possible closure of the Greenville hospital, which serves children in 
the Greenville and Western North Carolina areas. To help keep the 
hospital open, Miss Parris coordinated and hosted a fundraising event, 
``Shriners for Minors,'' in Bryson City, North Carolina on August 8, 
2009. The event included participation by a number of vendors and 
children's activities organized by her fellow high school students. 
After the event, Miss Parris made a visit to the hospital to present 
the donations and over 70 donated toys.
  Miss Parris has always worked hard to serve those in her community. 
As an elementary school student she made Christmas gifts for local 
nursing home residents. Miss Parris maintains an excellent academic 
record and has been inducted into the National Honor Society this year. 
She is part of the track and cross country team, plays basketball, and 
is the best marksperson on the shooting team at Swain County High 
School. She also worked full-time at a grocery store over the summer 
while organizing the fundraiser.
  Madam Speaker, Miss Parris's dedication to children in need in our 
mountain region and her efforts on behalf of the Shriners Hospital for 
Children are a great source of pride to me and to Western North 
Carolina. Miss Parris exemplifies the motto of Swain County Schools: 
``Our Best and Then Some.'' I urge my colleagues to join me today in 
commending the outstanding efforts of this remarkable young woman.

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