Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353 or Dylan Haney (501) 223-9081
Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) this week recognized Mary Lorraine Wood Borman, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, as the first "Arkansan of the Week". Mary is one of Arkansas's Self-Advocate Ambassadors for the National Down Syndrome Society.
You can find the full text of Senator Cotton's recognition on the Senate Floor below, or here. A video of Senator Cotton's remarks can be viewed here and downloaded here.
I would like to honor Mary Lorraine Wood Borman, of Fayetteville, Arkansas as this week's "Arkansan of the Week" for her commitment to the National Down Syndrome Society as a Self-Advocate Ambassador for the great state of Arkansas. Her advocacy to improve the quality of life for those living with down syndrome is noteworthy, and she is a joy and inspiration to many across the state.
Outside of her work as an activist, Mary is an involved and multitalented Junior at Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Not only does she excel academically-as indicated by her track record as an honor roll student-but she's also a gifted athlete and has won awards in swimming events at the Arkansas State Special Olympic Games for three years. Mary is also a talented dancer and actress, specializing in hip-hop, jazz, and the waltz.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Mary when she visited my Washington, D.C. office while in town for the Buddy Walk hosted each year by the National Down Syndrome Society. Because of Mary's advocacy and compelling reasoning, I co-sponsored the ABLE to Work Act of 2016 shortly after our meeting. This bill will help persons with disabilities save additional amounts in their ABLE accounts.
Mary has big dreams, and I am confident she will achieve them. I look forward to keeping track of her many accomplishments in the future.
Arkansas is lucky to have someone like Mary Borman fighting to make our state a better place and I applaud her for her work. Her story is a testimony of the spirit of Arkansans, and I am certain it will inspire others to take action on causes they believe in.
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The "Arkansan of the Week" initiative is designed to honor Arkansans who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to their communities, and to the state.
Senator Cotton will honor each "Arkansan of the Week" with a speech on the Senate Floor.
If you know someone who has made an impact on their local community or Arkansas as a whole, Senator Cotton would like to recognize them! To nominate someone for "Arkansan of the Week," send an email to nominations@cotton.senate.gov with the following:
