[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 78 (Friday, May 31, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E975]]


            TRIBUTE TO MRS. ESTHER GAMM'S FOURTH GRADE CLASS

                                 ______


                          HON. SIDNEY R. YATES

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 31, 1996

  Mr. YATES. Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend Mrs. Esther Gamm's fourth 
grade class at Highland School in Skokie, IL, which is located in my 
congressional district, for receiving fourth place in the elementary 
school division of the 10th Annual ``Set a Good Example'' national 
competition.
  At a time when there are daily reports of children at risk and in 
trouble with the law, it is reassuring to report on Mrs. Gamm's class' 
achievement. Two children at Highland were victims of the AIDS virus 
and the fourth graders learned about the importance of combating bias 
and prejudice.
  The children held discussions and wrote poetry and persuasive essays 
based on their understanding of the rights and responsibilities of 
fourth graders.
  The students decided to share their feelings, drawings, writings, and 
other expressions with the children at Children's Memorial Hospital and 
with seniors in their community.
  A reading of their work reveals a unique understanding of the meaning 
of trust and the strength of relationships. As Mrs. Gamm points out, 
``They came to believe that their behavior could make the difference 
between a happy life and one of desolation. Friendship took on a deeper 
meaning and caring for one another means respect and an honest 
appraisal of one's self-respect.'' This is a powerful message--one well 
worth remembering by adults as well as children.
  I'm immensely proud of Highland's fourth graders--and of the entire 
student body, faculty, and administration. Highland School has a 
deserved reputation for excellence and they deserve our heartfelt 
congratulations on a job well done.