Ronald Machtley: “I rise today to pay special tribute to a very remarkable young man in my district, Steven Bugner. Steven ranked…”

“I rise today to pay special tribute to a very remarkable young man in my district, Steven Bugner. Steven ranked twentieth in his class of 211 at North Providence High School. Classmates of his are in the gallery today. He is a member of the National Honor Society, he plays the trumpet in the band, and he is planning on attending Providence College in the fall. This is a typical profile of someone of achievement, until you consider that Steven is blind. In the eighth grade, Steven lost his vision. A brain tumor was discovered. And, while, thankfully, it was removed, as a result, he no longer could see. Rather than to succumb to this tragedy, Steven demonstrated uncharacteristic strength of character and a will to triumph in the face of adversity. Rather than retreat from an active life, Steven has continued to thrive and to excel. Mr. Speaker, it is a fitting tribute to his accomplishments that he has recently been awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. Now, at 18, Steven is a leader of his peers, and an inspiration to us all. Mr. Speaker, Seneca said, "Great people rejoice in adversity, just as brave soldiers triumph in war." We all join in congratulating Steven on his life of inspiration, and wish him the very finest in life.”