[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E948-E949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO EMILY MATHEM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 1998

  Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Emily Mathem, a 
13-year-old at the Vicksburg Junior High School in Vicksburg, 
Mississippi.
  Emily recently received a Prudential Spirit Community Award in 
recognition of her outstanding community service. Emily worked for more 
than a year with city administration officials, local community 
leaders, and classmates to restore an abandoned and neglected 
neighborhood park which had become a hangout for drug dealers. While 
the work is not yet completed, she has pledged to continue her efforts 
until the day children can play safely in the park.
  Emily Mathem is a shining example of leadership, goodwill, and 
courage. I wish her luck and hope that many more young people in 
Mississippi and this nation are inspired by her work.

[[Page E949]]



                          ____________________