[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11333]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING LAURA DeSTEFANO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 22, 2010

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Laura DeStefano, the Award of Merit Winner for the 4th Congressional 
District's high school art competition, ``An Artistic Discovery.'' An 
Artistic Discovery recognizes and encourages the artistic talent in the 
Nation, as well as in each congressional district. The Congressional 
Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of 
Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young 
constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been 
involved with the nationwide competition.
  Laura DeStefano, a resident of the 4th Congressional District, is 
currently a senior at East Meadow High School in East Meadow, New York. 
Ms. DeStefano offered her digital photography piece, ``Where the Side 
Walk Ends.'' Laura's eye for beauty is certainly a testament to her 
achievement.
  The contest in the 4th Congressional District continues to flourish 
and I owe it to all of the talented students like Laura from our high 
schools that submitted their art to be displayed in this distinguished 
contest. It is essential for art programs and curricula to remain in 
our schools and communities. I believe that having a forum for our 
young people to express themselves in a creative way is extraordinarily 
important and I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that the 
arts are preserved.
  The future of this country depends on the hopes and dreams of its 
children. Our community, and our Nation, is enhanced by the 
contributions of students like Laura DeStefano. Additionally, I would 
like to recognize the work of the teachers and administrators at East 
Meadow High School who dedicate their lives to their students. The 
staff is the backbone of the students' success and I thank them for all 
that they do on a daily basis.
  Madam Speaker, it is with pride and admiration I offer my thanks and 
recognition to Laura DeStefano.

                          ____________________