E1016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 8, 2013 After six years of traveling through South- 2007, an independent review found that the focused on their education and college grad- west Mississippi, Brenda saw the need to re- Smithsonian Board of Regents had violated uates should be focused on their career. Un- turn to her home and roll up her sleeves. Oc- many principles of good management during fortunately, the current loan crisis has stu- dents and graduates focused on the amount tober 2, 2006, Brenda returned to Jefferson the tenure of Lawrence Small as Secretary of of money they owe instead of studying and County as Administrator. The six year journey the Smithsonian. The report indicated that the contributing to the nation’s economy. has been a goal of hers to bring opportunities Board had failed to provide desperately need- Ensuring that all stakeholders’ voices are to the communities. Being a part of over 4 mil- ed oversight, had overcompensated the Sec- heard during the discussion is our main pri- lion dollars in funded grants, the community retary, and had allowed the creation of an ‘‘in- ority in finding a long-term solution to stu- now has a new walking track, funds for a new sular culture.’’ The report further found that the dent loan rates. We are receptive to enter- library, and many other community services. Smithsonian’s deputy secretary and chief op- taining different possible solutions until the Modest in her doing, Brenda always believes erating officer, Sheila Burke, had frequent ab- best one is found. Students and their fami- lies deserve financial stability instead of that it was God who placed her to serve the sences from her duties because of outside ac- crippling adjustments or rate increases that public and she’s going to do just that. tivities, including service on corporate boards, would hinder their success. I look forward to Brenda didn’t stop in Jefferson County. In for which she earned more than $1.2 million discussing this issue with members from the October 2012, she was selected as the Coun- over six years. Importantly, the report indi- state of , and would gladly share my ty Administrator of Claiborne County, Mis- cated that Smithsonian leaders took great viewpoint with other Members of Congress. sissippi. She has always considered it as a measures to keep secret these missteps and Go Gators, second home. mismanagement. CHRISTINA BONARRIGO, Brenda is the mother of four wonderful chil- While the Smithsonian now has new lead- Student Body President, . dren—Vincent Delon, Brittany, Brandy, and ers, who are moving away from the mistakes Tyrese. of the past, its transparency should not de- f She is a dedicated member of the Greenleaf pend on who is in charge. An entity supported HONORING FRANK R. SULLO Baptist Church, where she serves in the choir primarily by the federal government must be and as president of the Youth Department. accountable to the American people. The She believes in the order of God first, then American people have a right to know that HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL family and third, her career. Brenda is a team their interests are being served. OF NEW YORK player and encourages everyone around her I urge my colleagues to support this meas- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to reach their greatest given potential because ure. Monday, July 8, 2013 they are unique creations of God. At the end f of the day, it’s not about the title she wears, Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, throughout our but the ability to know that someone in the LETTER WRITTEN BY CHRISTINA nation’s history our freedom has been pre- community is living just a little bit better be- BONARRIGO served by members of the Armed Forces, and cause of her efforts. they continue to do so today. As a Member of Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me Congress, I have consistently supported vet- HON. CORRINE BROWN erans and servicemen and women. They de- in recognizing Ms. Brenda Lashay Turner- OF FLORIDA Buck for her dedication and determination to serve no less from us. We owe the preserva- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES take on the challenges of her community. tion of our freedoms and our way of life to the veterans who proudly served their country. f Monday, July 8, 2013 Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Today I join the City of Yonkers at its an- INTRODUCTION OF THE OPEN AND I submit the following letter. nual Veterans Appreciation Day in honoring TRANSPARENT SMITHSONIAN Frank R. Sullo, who served his country as an UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ACT OF 2013 Army infantryman in Vietnam and who re- STUDENT GOVERNMENT, Gainesville, FL, June 5, 2013. ceived the Bronze Star, Army Commendation HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON Hon. CORRINE BROWN, Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Viet- OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Rayburn House Office Building, nam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Cam- Washington, DC. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES paign Medal. DEAR CONGRESSWOMAN BROWN: A well-edu- He is a long time resident of Yonkers who Monday, July 8, 2013 cated workforce is essential to the growth of attended Public School 18 and graduated from Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today I intro- our country. I firmly believe that higher Yonkers High School. He is an active member education is what drives our economy and duce the Open and Transparent Smithsonian gives our country its competitive advantage of the Empire Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post Act of 2013 to further ensure that the Smithso- in the current global economy. As the col- 375, and is a member of the American Legion nian Institution is accountable to the public for leges and universities in the United States and the Disabled American Veterans. the taxpayer funds it receives. The bill pro- make progress towards curing cancer and With his wife, Pearl, and their children, Ni- vides that, for the purposes of the Freedom of finding alternative energy sources, the cost cole and Frank, he has a lifetime of accom- Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act, of a college degree has increased progres- plishments that has enhanced his city. I am the Smithsonian shall be considered a federal sively. proud to join the City of Yonkers in honoring agency. According to the SFA Funds Management Frank Sullo, and thank him for his heroic serv- Report from the University of Florida, over The bill complements my Smithsonian Mod- 10,000 students have received $37,122,091 in ice to our country. ernization Act and my Smithsonian Free Ad- subsidized Stafford Loans. Across the board, f mission Act. I introduce these three bills today the cost of a college degree has increased by to make the Smithsonian accountable for the more than 1,000 percent in the past 35 years TRIBUTE TO DEUNTAE SHEARD annual federal appropriations it receives, and many students simply cannot bear the which account for 70 percent of its budget. Al- cost of a college degree. HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON I do not want to see student loan rates in- though the Smithsonian was created by Con- OF MISSISSIPPI gress as a federal trust, it receives the great crease, but I recognize the need for long- term solutions to the problems that students IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES majority of its funding from the federal govern- face. I, along with the 50,000+ students at the Monday, July 8, 2013 ment, much like federal agencies, and has al- University of Florida, support a bipartisan ways been treated as a federal agency. How- solution that will contribute to the success Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- ever, in the 1990s, the U.S. Court of Appeals of students and support them in today’s er, I rise today to honor Mr. Deuntae Sheard, for the District of Columbia Circuit found that economy. This is an issue that we care about a dedicated student, who is making the dif- the Smithsonian is not a federal agency for and it is a discussion that we want to be a ference in his community. purposes of FOIA and the Privacy Act. Indeed, part of. Deuntae Sheard was born in Jackson, MS, the Smithsonian’s website clearly states that it Economics teaches us that stability is one on May 23, 1993, to the proud parents of of the greatest influences in any market. is ‘‘not an Executive Branch agency, and FOIA Students need to be able to plan for the fi- Freddie and Elaine Sheard. Elaine is a head- does not apply to the Smithsonian.’’ nancial responsibilities of college and a sta- start teacher and Freddie is a deputy for the This lack of transparency is of great con- ble loan market is crucially important to local sheriff’s department. Deuntae is the cern, particularly in light of the Smithsonian’s providing stability and security. I think that youngest of three children, Freddie Jr. and recent history of secrecy and corruption. In everyone can agree that students should be Spartel.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:52 Jul 09, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A08JY8.008 E08JYPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS July 8, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1017 Deuntae was raised in Lexington, MS. He tantly, Rondo Days is a celebration of the per- ships, four conference titles, nine division ti- went to Lexington Elementary School (LES) severance and tenacity of the modern Rondo tles, and made 17 playoff appearances; and Jacob J. McClain High School and grad- community, which remains a vibrant, diverse Whereas, The 2012–2013 Heat orga- uated in the top 10 from both schools. He is and thriving neighborhood. nization is comprised of players: , currently a student at Jackson State Univer- For many decades, Rondo Avenue was the Chris Anderson, , , sity, majoring in mathematics. His goal is to lively of the African-American commu- , , , become a math teacher. nity in Saint Paul. Construction of U.S. Inter- , , LeBron While growing up, Deuntae had a desire to state 94 in the 1960s resulted in the removal James, James Jones, , Mike teach children, probably because his mother of the avenue along with hundreds of homes Miller, , ; has been a teacher all his life. He became and businesses, shattering the tight-knit com- Whereas, LeBron James was named the certain in his senior year in high school that munity. Many families were displaced and the NBA Most Valuable Player during the 2012– he could teach children. During high school, appearance of the neighborhood was forever 2013 regular season, was named the NBA Deuntae joined a group called TATU (Teens changed, but the spirit of Rondo lived on. Most Valuable Player during the 2013 finals, Against Tobacco Use). TATU is an organiza- Capturing a strong desire for a community re- and joined and as tion that teaches students about the effects of vival, in 1982, Marvin ‘‘Roger’’ Anderson and the only players in NBA history to win back-to- using tobacco, the substances in tobacco, and Floyd Smaller founded a new festival to re- back NBA finals and regular season MVP the signs of peer pressure coming from friends store the sense of kinship, stability, and com- awards; and role models. It was then that Deuntae re- munity values of the old Rondo neighborhood. Whereas, The Spurs were sec- alized that he could be a good role model and Rondo Days was born, growing into a major onds away from winning the NBA finals until that this was the key to being a good teacher annual weekend festival drawing together Ray Allen hit a clutch three-pointer, sending and leader. Whenever he was out in the com- thousands of residents in celebration of the the game into overtime and forcing a decisive munity around his peers and children, he led community. Each year, neighbors and families ; by example. If the smaller children wanted to come together for activities including a senior Whereas, The coaching staff play on the court, he would either dinner, 5K walk and run, drill team competi- exhibited exemplary leadership and guidance; convince his peers to let them play on half the tion, and the Grand Parade. Whereas, The Miami Heat coaching staff, in- The rich legacy of old Rondo Avenue is also court or let them play with them while perhaps cluded: , Head Coach; Bob the foundation for the future of the new Rondo helping them improve their skills. McAdoo, Assistant Coach; , As- neighborhood. For decades, many families Living in the house with a teacher and a sistant Coach; , Assistant Coach; called Rondo Avenue home, and many new deputy taught Deuntae two important things: Chad Kammerer, Assistant Coach; Octavio De residents from the South were welcomed on respect and education. Deuntae’s father al- La Grana, Assistant Coach; Bill Foran, doorsteps along the avenue. Residents were ways told him to respect others and good Strength and Conditioning Coach; Jay Sabol, proud of their neighborhood and planted deep things will happen and stressed to him the im- Athletic Trainer; Rey Jaffet, Assistant Trainer; roots, branching out to start businesses to portance of making good grades in school. Rob Pimental, Assistant Trainer; serve the community and create new oppor- These teachings helped mold Deuntae into a Whereas, The Miami Heat management has tunity. During a time of segregation and harsh respectable person and thus respecting all shown a positive commitment to the Miami racial disparities, Rondo Avenue allowed many others. Heat franchise by successfully acquiring, as- African-Americans to dream big and believe in Deuntae believes that if he had the power to sembling, and maintaining a team of high- a brighter future. This pride and these dreams help anyone he would do it. When his peers quality, winning players; remain undiminished today. As Saint Paul or even elementary kids asked him to help Whereas, The Miami Heat Organization them with the classwork, he did and he was gathers for the 30th time to celebrate Rondo Days, families and neighbors will be reunited, consists of executive staff, including: Micky ecstatic whenever a child came back to tell Arison, Managing General Partner; Nick him ‘‘Thank you.’’ new friends welcomed, and everyone will be looking to an even brighter future. Arison, Chief Executive Officer; , Deuntae spent his high school summers at President; Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach; Eric the Community Students Learning Center in Mr. Speaker, in honor of the community, history, and legacy of the Rondo neighbor- Woolworth, President, Business Operations; Lexington, MS, where he got a head start on Michael McCullough, Executive Vice Presi- his learning before school started in August. hood, and as a neighbor myself, I am pleased to submit this statement for the CONGRES- dent/CMO; Mike Walker, Executive Vice Presi- At the center, he interacted with the children dent, HEAT Group Enterprises; Alonzo Mourn- by playing games, talking with them, and help- SIONAL RECORD recognizing the 30th Anniver- sary of Rondo Days in Saint Paul, Minnesota. ing, Vice President, Player Programs; Stephen ing them with their work, if asked. Weber, Executive Vice President, Sales; Kim Deuntae is now in his second semester as f Stone, Executive Vice President/General Man- a junior at Jackson State University. He plans HONORING THE MIAMI HEAT ON ager, American Airlines Arena; Sammy to come back home after graduation for a few THEIR THIRD NBA CHAMPIONSHIP Schulman, Executive Vice President/CFO; years and help teach at one of the local Raquel Libman, Executive Vice President/ schools or the Community Students Learning General Counsel; Center. His passion for teaching has height- HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON OF FLORIDA Whereas, The Miami Heat players have ened and he is anxious to start. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES been outstanding role models on and off the Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me court; in recognizing a talented student, Mr. Deuntae Monday, July 8, 2013 Whereas, The Miami Heat organization has Sheard, for his zest for teaching and making Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I sub- enriched the South Florida community through a difference in his community. mit the following. public service programs, including: Heat Acad- f Whereas, The Miami Heat won their third National Basketball Association (NBA) Cham- emy; Heat Scholarships; Miami Heat Read to HONORING THE 30TH pionship in franchise history on Thursday, Achieve; Miami Heat Fund-Raiser; Miami Heat ANNIVERSARY OF RONDO DAYS June 20, 2013, by defeating the San Antonio Wheels; Shoot for the Stars; Books and Bas- Spurs with a score of 95 to 88 in the seventh ketball Summer Clinics; Heat Youth Basket- HON. BETTY McCOLLUM game of the NBA finals, in Miami, Florida at ball; Miami Heat Learn to Swim Program; Whereas, The Miami Heat fans have been OF MINNESOTA the American Airlines Arena; an integral part of this championship by pro- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Whereas, During the 2013 NBA , the Miami Heat defeated the , viding unwavering support throughout the en- Monday, July 8, 2013 , Indiana Pacers, and San Anto- tire season, and each and every season prior; Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise nio Spurs; Whereas, The Miami Heat performance to pay tribute to the families of the Rondo Whereas, The Miami Heat are the second against the during the neighborhood in Saint Paul, Minnesota on the team in five years to win back-to-back cham- 2013 NBA finals will go down as one the 30th anniversary of the Rondo Days festival. pionships, and the Miami Heat are the first to greatest series in NBA history; Rondo Days offers a remembrance of this his- defeat the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Resolved, that the House of Representa- torically African-American community that was finals; tives honors the entire Miami Heat organiza- dramatically altered by the construction of U.S. Whereas, Since its founding in 1988, the tion for winning the 2013 NBA World Cham- Interstate 94 in the mid-1960s. More impor- Miami Heat has won three world champion- pionship.

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