[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 45 (Thursday, April 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         IN RECOGNITION OF DRUG-FREE DRESS UP SUMMIT DAY, 1994

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 1994

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize Friday, April 22, as Drug-Free Dress Up Day at several of 
Jersey City's public schools, and to pay tribute to all of those people 
who have worked so hard on this program as part of the war against 
drugs.
  Obviously, but unfortunately, drug abuse is a serious problem which 
we face not only in New Jersey, but all across this Nation and around 
the world. Drugs destroy relationships, and eventually lives. Drugs can 
turn the most promising individual into a helpless victim. Substance 
abuse is a problem we must work together to solve. We cannot let it 
destroy our youth and therefore, our Nation's future. That is what a 
group of students from Jersey City public schools are working toward.
  By hosting their first annual Drug-Free Dress Up Day Summit, students 
from public schools Nos. 8, 27, Christa McAuliffe School No. 28, and 
Fred W. Martin School No. 41 are demonstrating their commitment to 
saying no to alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. They are also saying no to 
violence and yes to safe neighborhoods and strong community schools. 
They are showing that they appreciate the value of a good education and 
the role it can play in their lives. They are striving to educate 
themselves and their fellow Americans about the dangers of substance 
abuse and the negative impact it can have on their lives.
  The Drug-Free Dress Up Day Summit is designed to urge students to 
exercise the best moral values, build positive self-esteem, and develop 
self-confidence. More importantly, the program seeks to help students 
develop the discipline they need to reach their full academic 
potential. These are all ingredients which are necessary for achieving 
success.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to pay tribute to those 
who have worked so hard to make this day a reality and who are 
committed to doing their part in the war against drugs. Justin Brown, 
Nandanee Ramdin, Luis Suarez, Michael Sidhom, Shatabdi Pokal, Kareema 
Gadsden, Michelle Cosby, Antoine Williams, Tamika Haywood, Dana Cohen, 
Luzyvette Severino, Melissa Torres, and Ashia Garnes all deserve a 
great deal of recognition for their efforts. If these current efforts 
are any indication of what their futures will be like, I am confident 
that they will be very promising.

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