[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 26273]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ANN HIGDON

 Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Ms. Ann 
Higdon of Dayton, OH, who was recently awarded The Purpose Prize, 
sponsored by Civic Ventures, The Atlantic Philanthropies, and the John 
Templeton Foundation.
  The Purpose Prize recognizes socially engaged leaders over 60 who 
have demonstrated that social innovation is not just a pursuit for the 
young.
  Ann received this important award for her work with Improved 
Solutions for Urban Systems, an organization that helps Dayton-area 
dropouts earn diplomas while training for jobs in health care, 
construction, computer operations, and manufacturing.
  Like too many young Ohioans today, Ann Higdon had to cope with the 
feeling of helplessness while growing up. Homeless as a child, she had 
no love and little desire to learn.
  She finished school, however, with the encouragement and kind words 
of just one teacher. Over the years, Ann has dedicated herself to 
making sure that young Ohioans receive the same inspiration she did.
  I applaud Ann's vision and leadership as she helps bring hope to 
disadvantaged youth in Ohio.

                          ____________________