Political Quotes

“I am taking this opportunity to share with the Senate the extraordinary accomplishment of a young Vermonter. At the age of 17 years, 4 months, and 13 days, Kristen Kelliher became the youngest female to climb the highest peaks in all 48 States in the continental United States. Her journey began in 2002 as she and her family started climbing during family vacations. Soon she progressed to scaling the tops of America's most challenging peaks, including Mount Hood and Mount Rainer. Along the way, she endured injuries and logistical setbacks, but she never let those stop her from reaching her goal. She saved the best for last. Surrounded by 30 family members on a sunny September day, she summited Vermont's Mount Mansfield, in Stowe. She is a dynamic role model to all Vermonters, young and old. Along with excelling on the hiking trails, Kristen is also an honor student and a three-sport athlete. She plans to graduate early and climb the last two peaks--Hawaii's Mauna Kea, and Alaska's Mount McKinley--next year. Kristen is modest when praised about her achievement and says she only hopes to inspire others to reach goals they once thought unattainable. Vermonters are proud to recognize Kristen Kelliher's strength, skill and stamina, and we congratulate her on this great accomplishment. I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record an article about her achievement, from The Boston Globe.…”