[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    CONGRATULATIONS TO JASON SPANEL ON WINNING THE AMERICAN EXPRESS 
                         GEOGRAPHY COMPETITION

                                 ______


                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 1994

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jason Spanel, a young 
man from my district who recently placed first in the American Express 
geography competition. Jason's project, ``Thinking Geographically: 
Linking the North American Waterfowl Management Plan to the J.N. Spanel 
Wetland Restoration and Interpretative Site,'' was selected out of 
3,000 students who participated in the nationwide competition. Jason is 
being honored by American Express this week at a national awards 
ceremony in our Nation's capital.
  Jason's winning project traced the geographical evolution of the 
Saline River Basin from prehistoric times when wetlands comprised one-
third of the region to the early years of America when Native Americans 
used the land to farm. In his research, Jason discovered that less than 
half of America's wetlands remain in existence. It is reassuring to 
know that such a young man understands the Government's responsibility 
in monitoring and preserving the environment.
  I would also like to honor Jason Spanel for being a citizen who puts 
his words into action. As an Eagle Scout, Jason transformed a barren 31 
acre containment basin in Eldorado, IL, into a national wetlands 
preservation area. Today, what was once a community eyesore is now a 
lush wetland populated by trees, plants, a boardwalk, and waterfowl. In 
his efforts, Jason was able to save the endangered flora and fauna from 
being destroyed by the expansion of local industry. At 15 years old, 
Jason is now the youngest person in the history of the North American 
Wetlands Conservation Fund to receive a grant for a wetlands project.
  I am very proud of Jason Spanel for his hard work and dedication in 
educating his local community about ways they can work together to 
preserve the environment. Jason is a role model not only to his peers, 
but to adults who often take our planet and its resources for granted. 
Congratulations Jason from the people of the 19th Congressional 
District on a job well done. You are truly an inspiration to us all.

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